Lima beans are the bean world’s plump pulse.
While they are sweet, creamy, and delicious, not all lima beans are made equal.
Some have become heavy, others have lost flavor, and some taste like softball-sized stones (I may be exaggerating here).
The good news is that there are plenty delectable alternatives to your favorite lima beans.
In this post, we will discuss the finest lima bean substitutions so that you may enjoy your favorite dishes without worrying about the ingredient list.
Contents
- What’s Lima Bean?
- The 5 Best Substitutes for Lima Beans
- Conclusion
- FAQs
- What beans are the same as lima beans?
- What can I use instead of baby lima bean?
- Are cannellini beans the same as lima beans?
- What can I use instead of lima beans in succotash?
- What is an alternative name for lima beans?
- What beans are in the lima bean family?
- What are the best beans to substitute?
- Are great northern beans same as Lima?
- Are edamame beans similar to lima beans?
- What is the creamiest white bean?
What’s Lima Bean?
Lima beans are native to South America and are the world’s smallest legume.
The beans are so little that they are hardly visible in the photograph above.
They are also very strong in fiber and protein, giving them an excellent source of nutrition for vegans or vegetarians seeking an alternative to animal alternatives such as tofu or tempeh.
Lima beans should be soaked overnight before cooking (or boiling) for approximately 30 minutes, or until soft but not mushy. When bitten into bits, the texture should be strong yet malleable enough not to break apart.
Lima beans may be used in salads or to create pasta sauces; they give an earthy taste that elevates any meal beyond the competition.
Lima beans flavor and texture are pretty similar to other beans.
They have a peculiar earthy taste that is difficult to define but simple to enjoy, and they are soft enough to be eaten raw or cooked with little preparation.
If you’re searching for a meat substitute or something new and unusual in your diet, consider incorporating lima beans into your next dish.
The 5 Best Substitutes for Lima Beans
If you’re seeking for a lima bean alternative, you have various possibilities.
These are five of the greatest alternatives:
1 – Fava Beans
Fava beans are a kind of bean that originated in the Mediterranean area but are now produced in many other parts of the globe.
They’re noted for their dark green color and somewhat nutty taste, and they’re wonderful both fresh and cooked.
Favas include protein, fiber, vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), folate (folic acid), potassium, and magnesium, among other nutrients, making them an excellent dietary option for vegetarians looking to increase their nutrition without sacrificing flavor or convenience.
They can be utilized with any meal, whether you’re cooking at home or attending an important occasion like a business conference, so don’t be afraid to experiment if you don’t have lima beans on hand.
2 – Butter Beans
In terms of flavor and texture, butter beans are an excellent alternative for lima beans.
They may be used in lieu of lima beans in recipes that call for them, or they can be substituted for one pound of dried butter beans.
The distinction between these two kinds of beans is that butter bean pods are not edible; instead, they serve as storage pods for new seedlings developing within the pod.
The outer peel of lima bean pods, on the other hand, is edible (though frequently bitter) and provides a wonderful addition to salads or side dishes like stir-frys or soups.
3 – Great Northern Beans
Great Northern beans are a variety of white bean that resembles navy beans in appearance.
They are also known as cannellini beans, a kind of white kidney bean.
Because of their mild taste, Great Northern beans are typically used in soups and stews, although they may be exchanged with lima or navy beans if you prefer.
Great Northern beans take on a creamy hue and texture comparable to navy beans when cooked.
Furthermore, they are often used as a replacement for cannellini beans in Italian meals such as minestrone or baked bean casseroles.
4 – Edamame Beans
Edamame beans are young soybeans collected before they reach full maturity.
Edamame beans, like lima beans, are high in folate (vitamin B9), magnesium, and potassium.
They’re high in protein and fiber, with roughly 6 grams of protein and 8 grams of dietary fiber per cup.
Edamame beans, like chickpeas and lentils, may be cooked in a variety of ways. They can be mashed into salads, used in stir-fries or soups, steamed whole, or added to mung bean sprouts for a crispy topping.
5 – Red Kidney Beans
Red kidney beans may be used in place of lima beans.
The red hue is caused by anthocyanins, the same antioxidant found in blueberries.
They include a lot of protein and iron, as well as fiber, folate, and vitamins A, B, and C.
Red kidney beans are also available all year at most grocery shops, and they are often less expensive than green or yellow kinds (which arent as nutritious).
They’re not only fantastic in chili and soup, but they’re also delicious in salads and burgers.
Conclusion
Finally, lima beans are an excellent source of fiber and protein.
They also include a lot of iron, vitamin B6, and magnesium.
So don’t worry if you don’t like the flavor.
There are other different legumes with comparable health advantages that may be more appealing to you.
So experiment with different beans to find which ones you like.
You can also substitute them for meat in your favorite meals; it’s a wonderful way to save calories while still receiving enough protein.
