Easy Christmas Lima Bean Recipe (Lemony & Herby)

There’s something magical about heirloom beans, and Christmas Lima Beans are the star of the show with their gorgeous burgundy-and-white patterns and incredible nutty flavor. This Christmas lima bean recipe transforms these beautiful legumes into a stunning, one-pan Mediterranean-inspired meal that’s both hearty and surprisingly simple. Here, you’ll not only get a foolproof recipe but also learn exactly what makes these beans so special. Get ready for a vibrant, satisfying vegetarian dinner packed with fresh herbs, zesty lemon, and creamy feta.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe goes beyond just boiling beans; it layers flavors and textures to create a dish that feels both rustic and elegant. It’s my go-to for a healthy, satisfying meal that tastes even better the next day.

A Simple Trick for Deeper Flavor

My secret to making this dish sing is a technique called “tempering” or “blooming.” Before the onions even hit the pan, I sizzle dried oregano and a pinch of red pepper flakes in the hot olive oil. This simple step awakens the fat-soluble compounds in the herbs, infusing the entire dish with a deep, aromatic warmth. It completely prevents that “dusty” taste some dried herbs can have and creates a foundational layer of flavor that makes every bite incredible.

• Vibrant Mediterranean Flavors: This dish is a perfect balance of creamy beans, salty feta cheese, zesty lemon, and fresh herbs like dill. It’s sunshine in a bowl!
• Hearty Plant-Based Meal: As a naturally gluten-free and vegetarian dinner, it’s loaded with satisfying plant-based protein and fiber that will keep you full and happy.
• Incredible Texture: You’ll love the contrast between the creamy, tender beans, the fluffy Basmati rice, and the satisfying caramelized char developed on the beans during the sauté step, thanks to the Maillard Reaction.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Like many great bean dishes, this one is even better the next day as the flavors meld and deepen in the fridge, making it an ideal make-ahead lunch or dinner.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to gather for this vibrant bean sauté. The quality of your ingredients, especially the olive oil and feta, will really make a difference.

• 2 cups lima beans (I used the Christmas variety, but any will work)
• 1 cup US grown Basmati rice
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 small clove garlic (chopped)
• 1/2 cup yellow onion (chopped)
• 1/4 cup lemon juice + 1 Tbsp lemon zest
• 2 Tbsp dill (chopped)
• 1 Tbsp marjoram (chopped)
• 1/4 cup feta cheese
• Sea salt and pepper

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

• Christmas Lima Beans: These heirloom beans have a wonderfully rich, buttery, and chestnut-like flavor. If you can’t find them, standard large lima beans or butter beans are an excellent substitute.
• Herbs: While the base recipe uses marjoram, my pro version uses dried oregano bloomed in oil for a superior, more aromatic flavor. Fresh dill at the end is essential for brightness!
• Feta Cheese: For the best creamy texture and salty tang, I recommend using a block of feta stored in brine rather than pre-crumbled varieties. To make this dish vegan, simply swap in a high-quality plant-based feta crumble.
• Olive Oil: Since its flavor is prominent here, use a good quality extra-virgin olive oil that you enjoy the taste of.

How to Make this Christmas Lima Bean Recipe

Follow these steps to build layers of flavor for a truly memorable meal.

Step 1: Cook the Beans

In a large bowl or pot, cover your dried beans with plenty of water and let them soak overnight. The next day, drain the soaking water and rinse the beans well. Place them in a pot, cover with fresh water by at least two inches, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and let them simmer for 30-40 minutes. They are done when they are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork but still hold their shape. Drain them and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Rice

For perfect Basmati rice, first, rinse the rice in a fine-mesh sieve under cold water until the water runs clear. In a small saucepan, combine the rinsed rice with 1.5 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to the lowest setting, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes. Remove from heat and let it steam, still covered, for another 10 minutes before fluffing with a fork.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base & Sauté

This is where the magic happens! In a large sauté pan or skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add your dried oregano (and a pinch of red pepper flakes, if using) and let it sizzle for 30-60 seconds until fragrant. Now, add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the chopped garlic and cook for another minute. Turn the heat up slightly, add the cooked and drained lima beans, and sauté until they get some lovely browned, caramelized spots. This browning process, the Maillard Reaction, develops a much deeper, nuttier flavor.

Step 4: Combine and Finish

Once the beans are browned, add the cooked Basmati rice to the pan. Turn off the heat. Stir in the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and chopped fresh dill. Season generously with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Just before serving, gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese. The residual heat will soften it slightly without melting it completely.

What Are Christmas Lima Beans?

If you’re new to these gorgeous legumes, you’re in for a treat. They are much more than just a pretty face!

What do they look like?

Christmas Lima Beans are large, flat beans known for their striking appearance. They have a creamy white base with beautiful deep red or burgundy splashes and speckles, making them look incredibly festive. If you’re looking to explore more delicious bean dishes, consider trying a marinated zaatar bean salad.

What do they taste like?

Their flavor profile is what truly sets them apart. They have a rich, nutty, and buttery taste that is often compared to roasted chestnuts. When cooked, their texture is wonderfully creamy and potato-like, yet they hold their shape well.

Why are they called ‘Christmas’ Limas?

The name comes directly from their festive coloring, which resembles the classic red and white hues associated with Christmas.

Where can I buy them?

You can often find these heirloom beans at specialty food stores, farmers’ markets, well-stocked grocery stores, or from online retailers in the US that specialize in beans and legumes.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Here are a few of my favorite tips and solutions to common problems to ensure your dish is perfect every time.

Pro Tips for Success

• Don’t Skip the Soak: Soaking the dried beans overnight is crucial. It ensures they cook evenly and helps them achieve that perfectly creamy texture.
• Bloom Your Spices: This is my number one tip for restaurant-quality flavor. Sizzling the dried herbs in oil before adding anything else makes a huge difference.
• Get a Good Sear: Take the time to sauté the cooked beans until they are nicely browned. This step develops so much nutty flavor that you can’t get from just boiling.
• Use Fresh Lemon & Herbs: The bright, zesty kick from real lemon juice and the fresh aroma of dill are non-negotiable for the best taste.
• Season in Layers: Add a pinch of salt to the bean cooking water, season the onions as they cook, and then adjust the final seasoning at the end for a well-rounded dish.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Why are my beans still hard? This can happen if your beans are a bit old or if you have very hard water. The solution is simple: just keep simmering them until they are tender, adding more water if needed.
• Why is my dish dry? If the dish looks a little dry after adding the rice, don’t hesitate to stir in a splash of water, vegetable broth, or an extra drizzle of good olive oil to loosen it up. This is also a great tip for reheating.
• Can I use canned beans? Absolutely! To adapt the recipe, use two (15-ounce) cans of lima or butter beans. Rinse and drain them well, then add them directly to the pan at Step 3 to sauté and brown. You can skip the boiling step entirely.

Serving & Storage

This dish is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with other components. Here’s how I love to serve and store it.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this as a main course in a bowl, garnished with extra crumbled feta, a final drizzle of high-quality olive oil, and another sprinkle of fresh dill. For a heartier meal, it pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, flaky white fish like cod or halibut, or even a simple fried egg on top. A simple side salad of arugula with a lemon vinaigrette completes the meal perfectly.

Storage, Reheating, and Freezing

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors get even better overnight!
• Reheating: Gently reheat the dish on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out. You can also microwave it in short intervals.
• Freezing: This dish freezes well for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Note that the texture of the rice may be slightly softer after thawing and reheating.

Conclusion

This Christmas lima bean recipe is a true winner because it’s simple, incredibly flavorful, and celebrates the humble bean in a sophisticated way. By using the flavor-boosting trick of blooming the dried herbs in oil, you elevate a straightforward dish into something truly special. I hope this becomes a new favorite in your kitchen. If you try it, please leave a comment or rating below—I’d love to hear how it turned out!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are Christmas lima beans and what is a good substitute?

Christmas lima beans are a type of heirloom bean known for their festive burgundy and white color and a rich, nutty, chestnut-like flavor. If you can’t find them, large lima beans or butter beans are the best substitutes.

Do I really need to soak the beans overnight?

Yes, I highly recommend it. Soaking ensures the beans cook more evenly and quickly, and it results in a much creamier final texture. It also aids in digestibility.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, absolutely! The recipe is easily made vegan by substituting the feta cheese with your favorite brand of high-quality, plant-based feta crumble.

What should I serve with this Christmas Lima Bean Sauté?

It’s a fantastic vegetarian main course on its own, but it also pairs well with grilled chicken or fish. A simple green salad with a bright vinaigrette is also a great companion.

How can I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a pan on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to restore moisture, or use a microwave.

Can I use a pressure cooker or Instant Pot to cook the beans?

Yes! A pressure cooker is a great way to speed up the bean cooking process. For soaked beans, cook on high pressure for 8-10 minutes. For unsoaked beans, cook for 25-30 minutes. In either case, use a natural pressure release for the best texture.