15 Southern Butter Beans Recipe Southern Living Cook Up Something Special!
Published on: Mar 15, 2024
Butter beans, also known as lima beans, are a staple in Southern cuisine. These creamy, buttery legumes are a versatile ingredient that can be used in various dishes, from soups and stews to side dishes and casseroles. In this article, we will be sharing a delicious southern butter beans recipe from Southern Living that will have your taste buds dancing and your family asking for seconds.
Main Ingredients: Butter Beans, Butter, Chicken Bouillon, Salt, Water
Southern butter beans are a classic Southern dish that is often served as a side dish or as a main course. These buttery, creamy beans are the perfect complement to any meal, and they are surprisingly easy to make. Whether you are cooking for a crowd or just for yourself, these Southern butter beans are sure to be a hit.
If you want to take your Southern butter beans to the next level, try making them in the traditional Southern style. This involves adding a few key ingredients like bacon, onions, and garlic to give the beans a rich, smoky flavor. It may take a bit more effort, but the end result is well worth it.
3of 20
Southern Butter Beans with Bacon
Main Ingredients: Bacon, Small Onion, Butter Beans, College Inn Chicken
Adding bacon to your Southern butter beans is a surefire way to make them even more delicious. The salty, savory flavor of the bacon pairs perfectly with the creamy beans. Plus, the bacon adds a nice crunchy texture to the dish. Serve these up at your next BBQ or family gathering and watch them disappear.
4of 20
Southern Homemade Butter Beans
Main Ingredients: Butter Beans, Chicken Broth, Water, Salt, Pepper, Bacon
If you really want to impress your friends and family, try making your own homemade Southern butter beans. This may seem daunting at first, but it's actually quite simple. All you need is a bag of dried butter beans, some seasonings, and a little patience. The end result is a dish that is bursting with flavor and will have everyone asking for your secret recipe.
5of 20
Southern Baked Beans Quintet
Main Ingredients: Bacon, Chopped Onion, Garlic, Butter Beans, Red Kidney
Looking for a twist on the classic Southern butter beans? Try making a Southern baked beans quintet! This dish features five different types of beans, including butter beans, and is baked in a delicious sauce made from molasses, brown sugar, and spices. It's the perfect side dish for any summer BBQ or potluck.
6of 20
Old Fashioned Brunswick Stew
Main Ingredients: Ham Bone, Water, Stewing Hen, Bay Leaves, Dried Thyme
Another classic Southern dish that is sure to please is old fashioned Brunswick stew. This hearty stew is traditionally made with chicken, pork, and vegetables, including butter beans. The result is a thick, flavorful stew that is perfect for a chilly evening. Serve with some crusty bread for a complete meal.
7of 20
Brunswick Stew
Main Ingredients: Ham Bone, Water, Stewhen, Bay Leaves, Dried Thyme
Not a fan of pork or chicken? Try making a vegetarian version of Brunswick stew. Instead of meat, use a variety of vegetables, including butter beans, to create a hearty, flavorful stew that is sure to please everyone. This dish is perfect for those following a vegetarian or vegan diet, and it's just as tasty as the traditional version.
8of 20
Sausage and Succotash Soup with Collards
Main Ingredients: Smoked Sausage, Sweet Onion, Medium Carrot, Celery
Sausage and succotash soup may not be a traditional Southern dish, but it sure is delicious. This hearty soup is filled with a variety of vegetables, including butter beans, and is flavored with spicy sausage. To add a touch of Southern flair, add some chopped collard greens to the mix. It's a comforting and satisfying meal that is perfect for a chilly day.
9of 20
Braised Collard Greens
Main Ingredients: Bacon, Olive Oil, White Onion, Collard Greens, Butter
Speaking of collard greens, they are a staple in Southern cooking. These hearty greens are often cooked with bacon or ham hocks for added flavor. But why not switch things up and braise them with butter beans? The result is a delicious and nutritious side dish that is packed with flavor and nutrients.
10of 20
Southern Style Speckled Butter Beans
Main Ingredients: Smoked Ham Hock, Water, Butter Beans, Smoked Ham, Bacon
Speckled butter beans are a variety of butter bean that is popular in the South. These beans are smaller and more colorful than traditional butter beans, and they have a slightly nutty flavor. Cooked in a traditional Southern style, they make for a delicious and unique side dish that is sure to impress.
11of 20
Easy Canned Butter Beans
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Yellow Onion, Garlic, Butter Beans
Short on time? No problem! You can still enjoy delicious Southern butter beans by using canned beans. Simply drain and rinse the beans, then add them to a pot with some seasonings and let them simmer for a few minutes. You'll have a tasty side dish in no time, and no one will know you took a shortcut.
12of 20
Southern Style Butterbeans - Baby Lima Beans
Main Ingredients: Smoked Ham Hocks, Water, Butter Beans, Chicken
For a slightly different take on Southern butter beans, try using baby lima beans instead. These smaller, more tender beans are perfect for this dish, and they have a slightly different flavor than traditional butter beans. The end result is a creamy and delicious side dish that is sure to be a hit at any gathering.
13of 20
Jamaican Pumpkin Curry With Butter Beans
Main Ingredients: Coconut Oil, Medium Onion, Garlic, Ginger, Green
If you're looking for a unique and flavorful way to enjoy butter beans, try making a Jamaican pumpkin curry with butter beans. This dish combines the creamy texture of the beans with the spicy, savory flavors of Jamaican curry. Serve over rice for a complete meal that will transport your taste buds to the Caribbean.
14of 20
Slow Cooker Oxtail and Butter Beans
Main Ingredients: Butter Beans, Oxtails, Onions, Scallions, Garlic
Oxtail and butter beans may not be a traditional Southern dish, but it sure is delicious. The rich, tender oxtail pairs perfectly with the creamy butter beans, and the slow cooker does all the work for you. Just throw everything in and let it cook for a few hours, and you'll have a hearty and flavorful meal that is perfect for a busy weeknight.
15of 20
Vegetarian Goulash with Butter Beans
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Butter, Onions, Celery, Garlic, Paprika
For a hearty and satisfying vegetarian meal, try making a goulash with butter beans. This dish is filled with a variety of vegetables and seasoned with paprika, cumin, and other spices. The butter beans add a creaminess and heartiness to the dish that will leave you feeling full and satisfied.
16of 20
Southern Lima Beans (Butter Beans)
Main Ingredients: Lima Beans, Smoked Ham Hock, Water, Salt, Black Pepper
Did you know that lima beans and butter beans are actually the same thing? In the South, they are often referred to as butter beans, but in other parts of the country, they are called lima beans. No matter what you call them, they are a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, including succulent Southern recipes.
17of 20
Calico Beans
Main Ingredients: Bacon, Onion, Ground Beef, Ketchup, Salt, Mustard
Calico beans are a hearty and flavorful dish that features a variety of beans, including butter beans, along with ground beef, bacon, and a tangy sauce. It's a favorite at potlucks and family gatherings, and it's sure to be a hit with your family as well. Serve with some cornbread for a true Southern experience.
18of 20
BUTTER BEANS CURRY
Main Ingredients: Butter Beans, Ginger Paste, Chilli Powder, Bay Leaves
For a taste of India in the South, try making a butter beans curry. This dish is made with a variety of Indian spices, including curry powder, turmeric, and cumin, and it's a delicious and unique way to enjoy butter beans. Serve over rice for a complete meal that is bursting with flavor.
19of 20
One-Pot Butter Beans and Greens
Main Ingredients: Butter Beans, Vegetable Broth, Bay Leaves, Water
Looking for an easy and nutritious one-pot meal? Look no further than this butter beans and greens dish. Simply cook some bacon and onions in a large pot, then add the butter beans and some chopped greens, such as kale or collards. Let everything simmer until the greens are tender and the flavors have melded together. It's a simple and delicious meal that is perfect for a busy weeknight.
20of 20
Butter Beans with Chicken in the Oven (Gigantes sto...
Main Ingredients: Butter Beans, Chicken Thighs, Tomatoes, Fresh Dill
For a unique take on butter beans, try making a Greek dish called Gigantes sto. This dish is made by baking butter beans with chicken, tomatoes, and a variety of herbs and spices. The result is a hearty and flavorful meal that is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.
The Secret to Perfect Southern Butter Beans
When it comes to cooking butter beans, the key is to use fresh, high-quality beans. While canned beans may be convenient, they lack the flavor and texture of freshly cooked beans. Look for plump, unblemished beans at your local farmer's market or grocery store. You can also use frozen butter beans if fresh ones are not available.
Soaking and Preparing the Beans
Before cooking, it is essential to soak the beans overnight to soften them and reduce their cooking time. Place the beans in a large bowl and cover them with water. Soaking the beans not only helps them cook faster but also reduces the chances of digestive discomfort. The next day, drain and rinse the beans before cooking.
Slow Cooking for Optimal Flavor
Slow cooking is the key to unlocking the rich, buttery flavor of these beans. In a large pot, cook the soaked beans with bacon, onions, garlic, and chicken broth for about 2-3 hours until they are tender. This allows the beans to absorb the flavorful broth and seasonings, making them extra delicious.
Adding a Tangy Twist
For a tangy twist, add a can of diced tomatoes to the beans during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This adds a refreshing acidity to balance out the richness of the beans. You can also add a splash of apple cider vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice for a tangy kick.
Serving Suggestions
These southern butter beans are delicious on their own, but they can also be served as a side dish with your favorite Southern meal. They pair well with fried chicken, pork chops, and collard greens. For a hearty meal, serve the beans over rice or with a slice of cornbread.
Now that you have the secret to perfect southern butter beans, it's time to give this recipe a try. Your taste buds will thank you, and your family will be asking for this dish on repeat. So grab some fresh butter beans and get cooking!
