Lima Bean Soup
Description:
This hearty soup, despite its name, surprises with flavors that transcend the humble lima bean. A thick and comforting dish reminiscent of pea soup, it’s been a cherished recipe in my family for generations, particularly beloved during the chilly winter months. Though its title may raise eyebrows, fear not, for its taste will win over even the most skeptical palates. In fact, perhaps it deserves a new name altogether, like “Clog Your Arteries Soup,” owing to its rich and satisfying nature.
Cooking Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours and 10 minutes
Recipe Category: Beans
Keywords: Weeknight, For Large Groups, Easy
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 253.8
- Fat Content: 16.5g
- Saturated Fat Content: 5.5g
- Cholesterol Content: 24.7mg
- Sodium Content: 308mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 19.8g
- Fiber Content: 2.1g
- Sugar Content: 1.1g
- Protein Content: 6.5g
Servings: 25
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 | Lima beans |
| 2 | Onions |
| 10 | Potatoes |
| 2 | Bacon |
| 1 | Flour |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Lima Beans:
- Begin by rinsing 2 cups of lima beans and placing them along with 2 onions (quartered) in a large 6-quart pot.
-
Simmer the Beans:
- Fill the pot with water until it’s about 2 inches from the top.
- Over medium heat, bring the pot to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for 4 hours, stirring occasionally. Ensure to replace water as needed to maintain the level at 2 inches from the top.
-
Add Potatoes:
- After 4 hours, add 10 diced potatoes to the soup.
- Allow the soup to simmer for an additional hour.
-
Prepare the Bacon:
- While the soup simmers, brown 2 pieces of bacon in a separate frying pan, making sure to reserve all the drippings.
-
Enhance the Soup:
- Slowly add the browned bacon pieces and 3/4 of the reserved drippings to the soup.
-
Thicken the Soup:
- In the same frying pan, stir the remaining drippings with 1 tablespoon of flour until smooth.
- Incorporate this flour and dripping mixture into the soup, stirring well to combine.
-
Season and Serve:
- Salt and pepper the soup to taste.
- Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Serve piping hot and enjoy the hearty goodness!
This recipe yields a generous pot of soup, perfect for feeding a crowd or for leftovers to savor throughout the week. With its simple preparation and rich flavors, this Lima Bean Soup is sure to become a favorite in your household, too! 🍲
