Delicious Christmas Lima Bean Recipe with Lemon & Dill

Get ready to discover a truly unique and delightful side dish! This Christmas lima bean recipe transforms a humble legume into a vibrant, flavorful star. With bright lemon, fresh herbs, and creamy feta, it’s a simple yet elegant addition to any meal, especially during the festive season. You will love how easy it is to prepare, bringing seasonal charm to your table with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Lima Bean Recipe

This delightful Christmas lima bean recipe offers a culinary experience like no other. You will adore the unique, creamy texture of the beans, which perfectly complements the fluffy Basmati rice. The bright, fresh flavor profile from lemon and dill truly elevates every bite, making it incredibly refreshing. This dish is wonderfully versatile, serving equally well as a hearty vegetarian main or a vibrant side. Plus, it is a healthy and hearty option, packed with plant-based protein and fiber, making it a guilt-free pleasure for everyone.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this fantastic Christmas lima bean recipe:

• 2 cups fresh or dried Christmas lima beans (or any large lima bean variety)
• 1 cup US grown Basmati rice
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 1 small clove garlic, finely chopped
• ½ cup yellow onion, chopped
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh marjoram, chopped
• ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
• Sea salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Notes & Substitutions

Understanding the importance of soaking dried beans before cooking can greatly improve their texture and reduce cooking time.

For convenience, you can use canned or frozen beans, but adjust cooking times accordingly. If using dried beans, soaking is essential for the best texture. Basmati rice offers a delicate aroma, but other long-grain rice varieties like jasmine or white rice work well too. Feel free to experiment with herbs; fresh parsley or chives make excellent substitutes for marjoram. If you prefer a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast or a plant-based feta alternative can add a similar savory tang.

Equipment

Gather these essential tools before you begin cooking:

• A large pot or Dutch oven for cooking beans and rice.
• A large sauté pan to brown the aromatics and beans.
• A sturdy cutting board for chopping vegetables and herbs.
• A sharp chef’s knife for precise cuts.
• Standard measuring cups and spoons for accuracy.

Instructions

Creating this flavorful Christmas lima bean recipe is straightforward with these step-by-step instructions.

1. Prepare Beans: If using dried beans, place them in a large pot and cover with water. Let them soak overnight on the counter. The next day, drain the soaking water thoroughly and rinse the beans under cold water. If using fresh beans, skip the soaking step.
2. Cook Beans: Return the rinsed, soaked beans (or fresh beans) to the large pot and cover them with fresh water by about two inches. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cook for 30-40 minutes, or until the beans are tender but still retain a slight firmness, not mushy. Drain the cooked beans well and set aside.
3. Cook Rice: While the beans are simmering, prepare your Basmati rice. Follow the package directions for cooking, ensuring it’s light and fluffy. Once cooked, fluff it with a fork and set it aside.
4. Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the chopped yellow onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until softened and lightly browned. Stir in the chopped garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
5. Add Beans: Gently add the cooked and drained lima beans to the sauté pan with the aromatics. Sauté them for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are lightly browned and slightly caramelized. This step adds depth of flavor to the beans. Season with a pinch of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste.
6. Combine Flavors: Now, incorporate the cooked Basmati rice into the pan with the beans and aromatics. Stir everything together gently to combine. Add the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and the chopped fresh dill and marjoram. Mix well, ensuring all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
7. Season: Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to achieve your desired flavor balance. The lemon and herbs should be vibrant.
8. Finish & Serve: Just before serving, gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese. The warmth of the dish will slightly soften the feta, making it creamy. Garnish with an extra sprinkle of fresh dill for a beautiful presentation and added freshness. Serve this wonderful dish warm and enjoy!

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Achieving the perfect texture for your beans is crucial; aim for tender but still firm, not mushy. When sautéing, don’t over-brown or over-sauté the beans; they should retain some of their natural bite. Adjust the amounts of lemon juice and fresh herbs to your personal preference; more lemon brightens the dish, while extra dill enhances the herbaceous notes. Proper seasoning is absolutely key to this Christmas lima bean recipe; taste as you go and don’t hesitate to add more salt and pepper.

Serving Suggestions, Storage, & Variations

This versatile Christmas lima bean recipe makes a fantastic addition to any meal. Serve it as a hearty vegetarian main course, perhaps alongside a simple green salad for a complete meal. It also shines as a vibrant and flavorful side dish, pairing beautifully with roasted chicken, fish, or grilled vegetables.

To store any leftovers, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate promptly, and it will keep well for 3-4 days. When reheating, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or vegetable broth if needed to prevent drying out, or use a microwave.

Variations

• Add Fresh Veggies: Stir in some halved cherry tomatoes or a handful of fresh spinach during the last few minutes of cooking for extra color and nutrients.
• Crunchy Texture: Incorporate toasted slivered almonds, pine nuts, or chopped walnuts just before serving for an appealing textural contrast.
• Sweet & Tangy: Drizzle the finished dish with a touch of balsamic glaze for an added layer of sweet and tangy complexity.

Nutrition Facts

This festive Christmas lima bean recipe is a nutrient-dense option for your table. It offers an excellent source of plant-based protein and dietary fiber, promoting satiety and digestive health. You’ll also benefit from essential vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin C from the lemon, and antioxidants from the fresh herbs. This makes it a wholesome and satisfying choice.

For a deeper understanding of the health benefits these legumes offer, explore the nutritional profile of lima beans.

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate based on ingredients and may vary.)

FAQ

Can I use frozen or canned lima beans for this recipe?

Yes, absolutely! If using frozen lima beans, thaw them first, then proceed with the sautéing step. For canned beans, rinse them thoroughly and drain well before adding them to the pan; they will require less cooking time than dried or fresh beans.

Is this Christmas lima bean recipe gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free as written. Always ensure that any rice or pre-packaged ingredients you use are certified gluten-free if you have severe sensitivities or allergies.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

To make this dish completely vegan, simply omit the feta cheese. For a similar tangy, savory flavor, you can sprinkle in a tablespoon or two of nutritional yeast at the end.

What’s the best way to soak dried beans?

The best method is an overnight soak. Place the dried beans in a large bowl, cover them with at least three inches of cold water, and let them sit at room temperature for 8-12 hours. Drain and rinse thoroughly before cooking.

Conclusion

This delightful Christmas lima bean recipe with lemon and dill is more than just a side dish; it’s a celebration of fresh flavors and simple cooking. We know you’ll love its vibrant taste, tender texture, and incredible versatility. Whether you serve it for a festive holiday meal or a cozy weeknight dinner, it promises to impress with its unique charm and ease of preparation. Give this special dish a try and let it become a new favorite in your kitchen!

Delicious Christmas Lima Bean Recipe with Lemon & Dill

This festive Christmas lima bean recipe combines creamy beans, fluffy rice, zesty lemon, and aromatic dill for a vibrant, nutritious side or main dish perfect for holiday tables.

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Course: Main, Side Dish

Cuisine: Christmas, Vegetarian

Calories: 380

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups fresh or dried Christmas lima beans
• 1 cup Basmati rice (US grown)
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
• ½ cup yellow onion, chopped
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 Tbsp lemon zest
• 2 Tbsp fresh dill, chopped
• 1 Tbsp fresh marjoram, chopped
• ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled
• sea salt, to taste
• freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven For cooking beans and rice.
• Sauté pan To brown the aromatics and beans.
• Cutting Board For chopping vegetables and herbs.
• Chef's knife Sharp knife for clean cuts.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons To measure all ingredients accurately.

Method

 

1. Soak dried lima beans overnight if using dried beans. Drain and rinse before cooking. Skip this step if using fresh beans.
2. Cook soaked or fresh beans in a large pot with water covering by 2 inches. Simmer 30–40 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.
3. Prepare Basmati rice according to package instructions. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
4. Heat olive oil in a sauté pan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 5–7 minutes until softened. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
5. Add cooked lima beans to the pan. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until lightly browned. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Gently mix in cooked rice, lemon juice, lemon zest, chopped dill, and marjoram. Stir to combine.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, lemon, or herbs as needed.
8. Fold in crumbled feta cheese just before serving. Garnish with fresh dill. Serve warm.

Notes

For best results, soak dried beans overnight before cooking. This dish is naturally gluten-free and can be made vegan by omitting the feta or replacing it with nutritional yeast.

Emily Thompson

Emily Thompson is a home cook and food enthusiast who believes that great meals bring families together. She loves exploring creative twists on classic American comfort food, always testing new ideas in her kitchen. Emily is passionate about sharing simple, practical recipes and time-saving tips to help busy people enjoy cooking at home. Her approachable style makes every dish accessible, delicious, and perfect for those seeking inspiration for everyday meals and special occasions. Find Emily’s latest creations and kitchen wisdom on yumeasymeals.com.