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Best Lima Bean Soup – Especially Wintertime!

The biting wind howled outside, rattling the windows of my childhood home. Inside, the warmth from the kitchen radiated outward, carrying the comforting aroma of simmering vegetables and smoky bacon. My grandmother, a sturdy woman with hands that knew the language of food, stood stirring a massive pot of what she simply called “bean soup.” That soup, thick with lima beans and brimming with rustic flavors, was the antidote to every winter chill, a symbol of home, and a taste of pure, unadulterated love. To this day, the memory of that soup warms me from the inside out, a reminder of simpler times and the power of good food.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 5 hours 5 minutes (including simmer time)
Total Time: 5 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 24
Dietary Type: Can be adapted to Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

5-6 quarts water
2 lbs dried large lima beans (rinsed)
2-3 medium onions (peeled and quartered)
6-7 medium potatoes (diced)
2 additional medium potatoes (grated)
2 lbs bacon (cubed)
2 carrots (diced)
2 stalks celery (diced)
4 cups tomatoes (diced, canned will do)
2 bay leaves
3/4 tablespoon thyme
3/4 tablespoon paprika
2 tablespoons lemon juice
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
Flavorful hot sauce (optional)

Equipment Needed

Large pot or Dutch oven (at least 7-8 quarts)
7-qt. or 8-qt. crock-pot (optional)
Large spoon
Cutting board
Knife
Grater
Skillet for browning bacon

Instructions

Begin by thoroughly rinsing the lima beans under cold water. This helps to remove any debris and ensures a cleaner flavor.
Place the rinsed lima beans in a large pot or Dutch oven along with the quartered onions, diced carrots, and diced celery.
Add 5-6 quarts of water to the pot, ensuring the beans and vegetables are well-covered.
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Keep a close eye on the pot, as it can easily boil over.
Once the mixture begins to boil, immediately reduce the heat to low and simmer gently for 1 hour. Simmering is key to developing the rich flavors of the soup.
After simmering for an hour, add the two grated potatoes to the pot. The grated potatoes act as a natural thickener for the soup, creating a creamier texture.
Continue to simmer the soup for an additional 30 minutes, allowing the grated potatoes to break down and thicken the broth.
Now, add the balance of the diced potatoes to the pot. Also, add the cubed bacon that has been browned in a skillet. It is acceptable to add the bacon drippings if you enjoy the added flavor and fat; however, for a healthier option, you may exclude the drippings.
If you desire an even thicker broth, you can optionally add one cup of grated cauliflower or one cup of flour to the soup at this stage. Be sure to whisk thoroughly to prevent any lumps from forming.
Let the soup simmer for another 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
After the additional simmering time, add four cups of diced tomatoes (canned diced tomatoes work perfectly well) for flavor and a vibrant color. Introduce two bay leaves, 3/4 tablespoon of thyme, 3/4 tablespoon of paprika, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste, and your favorite flavorful hot sauce (optional).
You now have two options for finishing the soup:
- Option 1 (Stovetop): Continue to simmer the soup on the stovetop for an additional three to four hours, or until the beans are tender and the soup has reached your desired consistency. Be sure to stir the soup frequently and add additional water as needed to prevent it from burning, as the mixture will continue to thicken.
- Option 2 (Crock-Pot): Remove the contents from the pot and transfer them to a 7-qt. or 8-qt. crock-pot. Cook the soup on the low setting for five to six hours, or until the beans are tender.
Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasonings as needed. If the soup has become too thick, add additional warm water to achieve your desired consistency.
An alternative option, which requires additional planning, is to refrigerate the broth overnight, and transfer it to the crock-pot the following morning, adding a bit more water, if needed. Cook on low for six to seven hours until finished. In this scenario, add the lemon juice when you add the soup to the crockpot.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Pre-soaking the beans: While not strictly necessary for this recipe, pre-soaking the lima beans overnight can reduce the cooking time and make them even more tender.
Browning the bacon: Don’t skip the step of browning the bacon! This adds a depth of smoky flavor that is essential to the soup. Cook the bacon until it is golden brown and crispy for the best results.
Seasoning: Resist the urge to over-season the soup early on. The flavors will intensify as the soup simmers, so it’s best to season gradually and adjust to taste at the end. Remember that each person can adjust the seasonings to their liking once it is served.
Thickening: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a slurry of cornstarch or flour mixed with cold water towards the end of the cooking process. Stir it in slowly until you reach your desired consistency.
Acid is Key: The lemon juice added at the end brightens up the flavors of the soup and adds a welcome touch of acidity. Don’t skip this step!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the lima bean soup hot, garnished with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt (if not dairy-free) and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. A crusty loaf of bread or some warm cornbread is the perfect accompaniment for sopping up the delicious broth.

Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It can also be frozen for longer storage (up to 2-3 months). When reheating, add a splash of water or broth if the soup has thickened too much. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	368.6 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	157 g	43%
Total Fat	17.5 g	26%
Saturated Fat	5.8 g	28%
Cholesterol	25.7 mg	8%
Sodium	338.2 mg	14%
Total Carbohydrate	39.6 g	13%
Dietary Fiber	9.5 g	38%
Sugars	5.3 g	N/A
Protein	14.4 g	28%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Variations & Substitutions

Vegetarian/Vegan: Omit the bacon entirely. Add smoked paprika for a smoky flavor. You can also add a tablespoon of olive oil when sauteing the vegetables.
Spicy: Increase the amount of hot sauce or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicier kick.
Different Beans: While this recipe is specifically for lima beans, you can substitute other beans such as cannellini beans, navy beans, or great northern beans. Cooking times may vary slightly.
Smoked Ham Hock: For a richer, more complex flavor, add a smoked ham hock to the soup while it simmers. Remove the ham hock before serving and shred the meat, adding it back to the soup.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use frozen lima beans instead of dried?
A: While dried beans are preferred for their texture and flavor, you can use frozen lima beans in a pinch. Reduce the cooking time accordingly, as frozen beans are already partially cooked.

Q: How do I prevent the lima beans from becoming mushy?
A: Avoid overcooking the soup. Simmer gently over low heat and check the beans frequently for doneness.

Q: Can I make this soup in an Instant Pot?
A: Yes, you can adapt this recipe for an Instant Pot. Sauté the bacon and vegetables first, then add the remaining ingredients. Cook on high pressure for 30 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release.

Q: What if my soup is too watery?
A: If your soup is too watery, you can simmer it for a longer period of time to allow the liquid to evaporate. You can also add a slurry of cornstarch or flour mixed with cold water to thicken it.

Q: How do I make this soup gluten-free?
A: This soup is naturally gluten-free as long as you omit the optional flour for thickening. Be sure to check the labels of your hot sauce and other ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

This lima bean soup is more than just a recipe; it’s a taste of comfort, a connection to the past, and a celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re battling the winter blues or simply craving a hearty, flavorful meal, I encourage you to give this recipe a try. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and seasonings to make it your own. And most importantly, savor every spoonful and share it with the ones you love. It pairs wonderfully with a hearty multi-grain roll!

Best Lima Bean Soup – Especially Wintertime! Recipe