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Southern-Style Butter Beans

Comforting and creamy Southern-style butter beans, perfect as a hearty main dish or side.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 cups dried large lima beans, rinsed and picked over
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or bacon drippings
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 ribs celery, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 to 5 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
  • 1 smoked ham hock or 4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped (optional but amazing)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika or smoked paprika
  • a pinch red pepper flakes, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice, at the end
  • to garnish Fresh parsley or green onions

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Rinse dried large lima beans and add them to the slow cooker.
  2. In a skillet, warm olive oil or bacon drippings and sauté onion and celery until soft. Add garlic for the last 30 seconds.
  3. Transfer the sautéed mixture to the slow cooker.
  4. Add broth, bay leaf, salt, pepper, paprika, and smoked ham hock or bacon if using.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3.5 to 4.5 hours, until the beans are tender and creamy.
  6. Stir gently and mash a few beans against the side of the pot for a creamier texture.
  7. Add apple cider vinegar or lemon juice, taste, and adjust seasoning as needed.

Notes

For creamy perfection, keep the liquid covering the beans; let them rest for 10 minutes after cooking to thicken. This dish pairs well with cornbread, greens, grilled meats, rice, or grits.