Best 3 Southern Butter Beans Millies Recipes

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In the realm of Southern comfort food, butter beans, also known as lima beans, reign supreme. These humble legumes, with their creamy texture and mild, nutty flavor, have been a staple in Southern kitchens for generations. In this article, we present a collection of delectable butter bean recipes that showcase the versatility of this unassuming ingredient. From the classic Southern Butter Beans with Ham, a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight meal, to the more adventurous Butter Bean and Corn Casserole, a delightful combination of sweet corn and tender butter beans, these recipes offer a taste of Southern hospitality.

For those seeking a lighter option, the Butter Bean and Arugula Salad is a refreshing and healthy choice, featuring the delicate peppery flavor of arugula paired with the creamy beans. And for a unique twist, the Butter Bean and Bacon Soup combines the smokiness of bacon with the creamy texture of butter beans, resulting in a rich and flavorful soup that is sure to warm your soul. Whether you prefer a classic Southern dish, a creative casserole, a refreshing salad, or a comforting soup, this collection of butter bean recipes has something for everyone. So gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and let's embark on a culinary journey that celebrates the humble yet delicious butter bean.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

SOUTHERN BUTTER BEANS RECIPE



Southern Butter Beans Recipe image

This Southern butter beans recipe combines tender and creamy beans with smoky ham for the most flavorful comfort meal.

Provided by Hayley

Time 3h

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 lb bag of regular lima beans or baby lima beans/butter beans
1 medium onion
2 ham hocks or 1 leftover ham bone, with some meat still on it
2 garlic cloves
1 tsp sea salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil

Steps:

  • Now, you can choose to soak the beans overnight if you want, but you really don't have to. Either way, the first step is to wash the beans, and then put them in a large pot. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Boil for 3 to 5 minutes, then turn off the heat, cover and let it sit for 1 hour.
  • After the beans have sat, drain the water and put the beans to the side. Add the oil to the pot and sauté the ham hocks and onions together, until the onion is clear and tender. Then add garlic and sauté about 2 minutes more. Add the beans and cover with water. Add pepper and salt (only about 1 teaspoon of salt at first).
  • Bring to a boil; stir, reduce heat, and cover and simmer for about 2 hours. Keep checking the water level and stirring every once in a while. Add more water if needed. Keep that water just about an inch above the beans. Cook until beans are tender, more salt here is optional. And oh the gravy this makes, oh my... so good! Serve over rice

SOUTHERN BUTTER BEANS, MILLIE'S



Southern Butter Beans, Millie's image

Delicious southern butter beans made from dry beans. This recipe is not only yummy but easy on the pocketbook. I like to save the fried bacon for a salad topping, but my husband likes them cooked in the beans. Either way these are sure to be a hit ! I will divide leftovers into freezer bags as sides for other meals. I hate...

Provided by Millie Johnson

Categories     Other Main Dishes

Time 1h50m

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 lb dry butter beans (the big white ones)
2-3 slice smoked bacon
1/2 onion,diced (or 1 small one)
water, 3 inches above beans
1 tsp salt
1/8 tsp black pepper

Steps:

  • 1. Sort beans; remove bad ones,rocks or other foreign materials.
  • 2. Put in colander and wash under running water. Set aside.
  • 3. Dice half an onion and set aside.
  • 4. Dice raw bacon. Fry in large pot til crispy. Remove from pot and set aside. Leave drippings in pot. (You can save bacon bits for a salad or put back in pot after you bring to second boil.)
  • 5. Add diced onion to pot and saute til translucent.
  • 6. Add some water to deglaze pot then add beans and cover with water. (about 3-4 inches ABOVE beans.)Add salt and pepper. Bring to a boil then cover and turn heat OFF for 45 minutes. Return to a boil,(add the fried bacon bits if desired) reduce heat to med. low and cook for 1 1/2 to 2 hours or until beans are tender.Keep a check on beans as you may need to add more water.Stir now and then.(taste a bean after 1 hour of cooking. You do not want to over cook). Taste and add more salt and pepper if needed.

SOUTHERN BUTTER BEANS



Southern Butter Beans image

Butter beans the way Mamaw used to make them! Lots of butter, cream, and bacon make these beans true southern comfort food.

Provided by Mardon Fergeson Hickford

Categories     Side Dish     Beans and Peas

Time 9h20m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 (16 ounce) package dried lima beans
5 slices bacon, chopped
1 cup heavy whipping cream
½ cup butter
salt and ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Cover lima beans with water in a large pot and soak overnight. Drain and return lima beans to the pot; cover beans with fresh water.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat; cook and stir bacon until crisp, about 5 minutes. Reserve about 2 teaspoons bacon drippings and drain bacon on paper towels.
  • Bring lima beans, bacon, and reserved bacon drippings to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until beans are just tender, 40 to 60 minutes. Stir heavy cream and butter into bean mixture and cook until thickened, about 15 minutes more. Season with salt and pepper.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 424.7 calories, Carbohydrate 36.4 g, Cholesterol 77.6 mg, Fat 25.3 g, Fiber 10.6 g, Protein 14.9 g, SaturatedFat 15 g, Sodium 235.9 mg, Sugar 4.8 g

Tips:

  • Choose the right beans: Look for dry, whole butter beans that are not cracked or damaged. They should be a uniform beige color.
  • Soak the beans overnight: Soaking the beans overnight helps to soften them and reduce the cooking time. You can also quick-soak the beans by boiling them for 2 minutes, then removing them from the heat and letting them soak for 1 hour.
  • Use a large pot: Butter beans expand as they cook, so it's important to use a large pot to prevent them from boiling over.
  • Season the beans well: Butter beans have a mild flavor, so it's important to season them well. Add salt, pepper, garlic, onion, and any other desired seasonings to the pot.
  • Cook the beans until they are tender: Butter beans should be cooked until they are tender but still hold their shape. This usually takes about 1-2 hours.
  • Serve the beans with your favorite sides: Butter beans can be served with a variety of sides, such as cornbread, rice, or mashed potatoes. They can also be used in soups, stews, and salads.

Conclusion:

Southern butter beans are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways. By following these tips, you can make sure that your butter beans turn out perfect every time. So next time you're looking for a hearty and flavorful dish, give southern butter beans a try!

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