Baby Lima Beans With Tomatoes and Sage

🍅🌿 Baby Lima Beans With Tomatoes and Sage 🍅🌿

This delightful dish is a simple yet flavorful combination of baby lima beans, ripe tomatoes, and aromatic sage. It’s a wholesome and comforting side or main course that’s perfect for a hearty meal. Let’s explore its history, components, preparation steps, and the time needed to make it. 🕒

📜 History:
The exact origin of this specific recipe is not well-documented, but it draws inspiration from various Mediterranean and Southern cuisines. Lima beans, also known as butter beans, are believed to have originated in South America and were brought to other parts of the world during the Columbian Exchange. Over time, they have become a staple in many cuisines due to their creamy texture and mild flavor. Combining them with tomatoes and sage creates a harmonious blend of earthy and savory flavors.

🍽️ Components:

• 2 cups of baby lima beans
• 3-4 ripe tomatoes, diced
• 2-3 sprigs of fresh sage
• 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: red pepper flakes for a bit of heat

👩‍🍳 Preparation Steps:

1. Prepare the Lima Beans: If you’re using dried baby lima beans, soak them overnight in cold water. Rinse and drain before using. If you have canned baby lima beans, you can skip this step.

2. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet or pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for a minute until it becomes fragrant.

3. Add Tomatoes: Add the diced tomatoes to the pan. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes, or until they start to break down and release their juices.

4. Introduce the Lima Beans: If you’re using canned beans, rinse and drain them. If you’re using soaked dried beans, add them to the pan along with enough water to cover them. Simmer for about 20-25 minutes or until the beans are tender. If the water evaporates too quickly, add more as needed.

5. Sage and Seasoning: Chiffonade the sage leaves (roll them up and slice into thin strips) and add them to the beans. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you like a touch of spiciness, add some red pepper flakes.

6. Simmer and Serve: Let the mixture simmer for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken. Adjust the seasonings if necessary. Serve hot!

⏱️ Time Needed:
The total time required to prepare Baby Lima Beans With Tomatoes and Sage can vary depending on whether you use canned or dried beans. Using canned beans will significantly reduce the cooking time. On average, you can expect to spend about 45-60 minutes preparing this dish, including prep and cooking time.

Enjoy your homemade Baby Lima Beans With Tomatoes and Sage! 🍽️🌿🍅😋

Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Baby Lima Beans With Tomatoes and Sage:

🥦 Nutrition Facts (Approximate Values) 🥦

• Serving Size: 1 cup (about 250g)
• Calories: 190
• Total Fat: 5g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.7g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 400mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Dietary Fiber: 8g
  • Sugars: 5g
• Protein: 8g
• Vitamin A: 20% of the Daily Value (DV)
• Vitamin C: 30% of the DV
• Calcium: 6% of the DV
• Iron: 10% of the DV

🌱 Health Information:

1. Rich in Fiber: This dish is a good source of dietary fiber, with 8 grams per serving. Fiber promotes digestive health, helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels, and can assist in weight management.

2. Low in Saturated Fat: With just 0.7 grams of saturated fat, this recipe is heart-healthy. It can be a part of a diet aimed at reducing the risk of heart disease.

3. Nutrient-Dense: Baby lima beans provide essential nutrients like iron and protein. Iron is crucial for transporting oxygen in your blood, while protein is essential for muscle maintenance and overall body function.

4. Vitamins and Minerals: This dish is rich in vitamins A and C, which are important for immune function, skin health, and vision. It also contains some calcium, contributing to bone health.

5. Low in Calories: With only 190 calories per serving, it can be a nutritious and filling option for those looking to manage their calorie intake.

6. Vegetarian and Vegan-Friendly: This recipe is plant-based and suitable for vegetarians and vegans, making it a great choice for those following a plant-based diet.

7. Antioxidants: Tomatoes are rich in antioxidants like lycopene, which may help protect cells from damage and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. Additionally, your overall diet and lifestyle play a significant role in your health, so it’s important to consider this dish as part of a balanced and varied diet.