Speckled Butter Beans

Speckled butter beans, also known as lima beans or sieva beans, are delicious versatile legumes prized for their creamy texture, nutty flavor, and beautiful appearances. This Southern classic recipe is simple to prepare yet delivers comforting warmth and richness, making it a perfect side dish for numerous meals.

What are Speckled Butter Beans?

These beans are native to Central and South America and boast a unique appearance with brown speckles on a beige background. Unlike their larger lima bean cousins, they have a milder, sweeter flavor and a creamier texture when cooked. They are an excellent source of proteins, fiber, and essential nutrients, making them a healthy and wonderful addition to your diet.

Preparing a pot of speckled butter beans

While variations exist, the core remains the same slow simmer the beans with savory aromatics and seasonings until tender and flavourful.

Ingredients

• 1 lb dried speckled butter beans, rinsed and picked over
• 6-8 cups water/Chicken broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/ teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 ham hock or smoked sausage, for added smokiness
• chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme, for garnish

Instructions

• Soak the beans if using dried beans for 8 hours preferably overnight. This shortens the cooking time and improves digestibility.
• Simmer the base in a large pot or Dutch oven, combine beans, water or broth, bay leaf, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1-2 hours, or until the beans get tender. If using ham hock or sausage, add it during the last hour of cooking for extra flavor.
• Once beans are tender, taste and adjust seasonings as needed you can add additional salt, pepper a pinch of cayenne pepper for a kick, or even a splash of apple cider vinegar for a touch of acidity.

Tips and Variations

• For a richer flavor use chicken broth instead water. You can also add a tablespoon of olive oil or bacon drippings to the pot during sauteing.
• Boost the vegetables and add chopped vegetables, carrots, celery, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrients.
• Make it a meal serve the beans over rice or quinoa with a side of grilled chicken or fresh for a complete protein-packed meal.
• Cooked speckled butter beans keep well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days and can be reheated for a quick and delicious side dish.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

Speckled butter beans are budget budget-friendly, nutritious, and incredibly flavourful addition to your diet/meals. This simple recipe is easy to follow, even for beginner cooks, and delivers a comforting and satisfying side dish that pairs well with various cuisines. So, give it a try and experience the unique taste and creaminess of these southern beans.

Let’s Examine The Potential Benefits of Speckled Butter Beans

Beyond their delightful taste and creamy texture, speckled butter beans pack a powerful punch of nutrition, making them a valuable addition to a balanced diet.

Protein a single cup of cooked speckled butter beans boasts around 15 grams of protein, making them excellent plant-based sources for vegetarians and vegans.

Fiber with a whopping 13 grams of fiber per cup, speckled butter beans contribute significantly to your daily fiber needs. This fiber aids digestion, regulates blood sugar levels, and promotes heart health.

Speckled Butter Beans Includes Minerals

• Potassium 800mg/cup
• Magnesium 80mg/cups
• Iron 4mg/cup
• Calcium 40mg/cup
• Folate
• Vitamin b6
• Low fat/ Cholesterol

How You Can Enjoy Speckled Butter Beans

• Soups and stews
• Salads
• Hummus and dips
• Vegetarian chili
• Burgers
• Casseroles

Here is The Nutritional Information For Speckled Butter Beans (Per 1 cup cooked serving Approx 172 grams)

Nutrient	Amount	Daily Value (%)
Calories	216	–
Fat	0.4 g	1%
Saturated	0.1 g	0.50%
Monounsaturated	0.1 g	0.50%
Polyunsaturated	0.1 g	0.50%
Carbohydrates	38 g	13%
Fiber	13 g	52%
Sugars	4 g	9%
Protein	15 g	30%
Potassium	802 mg	23%
Magnesium	81 mg	20%
Iron	4.2 mg	23%
Calcium	44 mg	4%
Folate	44 mcg	11%
Vitamin B6	0.1 mg	7%

Daily Value (DV) represents the percentage of the recommended daily intake for a 2,000-calorie diet these values are averages and may vary slightly depending on the specific brand, cooking methods, and other factors. Speckled butter beans are also good sources of manganese, phosphorous, copper, and zinc.