Lima Bean Loaf Recipe – Easy Kitchen Guide

By Lori Walker, MS, RD | Published on January 11, 2024
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Lima bean loaf is a delicious, nutritious and easy to make vegan dish that is perfect for a family dinner. It is made with a combination of cooked lima beans, vegetables, herbs and spices, all blended together and then baked into a loaf shape. The result is a savory, flavorful and moist loaf that is sure to please everyone. If you are looking for a tasty vegan dish that is sure to be a hit, then lima bean loaf is the perfect choice.

Lima Bean Loaf Recipe

What is Lima Bean Loaf?

Grown for their edible seeds or beans, lima beans are often referred to as butter beans, sieva beans, double beans, or Madagascar beans.

Lima beans are served in many ways but loaf style is the best one. The Lima bean loaf is a vegan dish made from cooked lima beans, vegetables, herbs and spices. It is easy to make and can be served as a main course, side dish or appetizer. 

The loaf is baked in a loaf pan and can be served hot or cold. Lima bean loaf is a healthy, delicious and nutritious dish that is sure to satisfy everyone.

Why You’ll Love This Lima Bean Loaf?

This lima bean loaf recipe is easy to make and can be served as a main course, side dish or appetizer. It is a healthy and nutritious dish that is full of flavor and is sure to please everyone. It is also a great way to incorporate a variety of vegetables into your diet. Plus, it is vegan and can be easily tailored to any dietary needs.

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The Ingredients

  • Premium all-purpose flour: The flour helps bind the ingredients together, acting as a thickening agent to hold the loaf’s shape when baked.
  • Sea salt: Salt enhances the overall taste of the dish by bringing out the flavors of the other ingredients while also balancing the sweetness of certain components.
  • Whole wheat bread crumbs, seasoned and toasted: They act as a filler, absorbing excess moisture and adding texture to the loaf. Additionally, the seasoned and toasted crumbs add depth of flavor.
  • Crunchy roasted peanuts: Peanuts contribute a nutty flavor and provide a contrasting crunch to the texture of the loaf, making each bite more interesting and flavorful.
  • Large egg from free-range hens: Eggs act as a binder, binding the ingredients together while providing moisture and structure to the loaf.
  • Tender lima beans: They are the primary ingredient in the dish, providing a hearty and creamy texture to the loaf while adding plant-based protein and fiber.
  • Onion, finely diced: Onions add savory flavor and aroma to the dish. They enhance the overall taste and complement the other ingredients.
  • Farm-fresh carrots, finely grated: Carrots add natural sweetness and moisture to the loaf, as well as a pop of color. They also contribute essential vitamins and antioxidants.
  • Freshly ground black pepper: It adds a mild spicy kick and depth of flavor to the dish, enhancing the overall taste profile.
  • Creamy American cheese (1/2 slice): The cheese melts into the loaf, contributing a creamy texture and adding a mild tangy flavor to the dish.
  • Rich, unsalted butter: Butter provides richness and moisture to the loaf, enhancing its overall flavor and contributing to its texture.
  • Crisp celery, thinly sliced: Celery adds a refreshing crunch and a hint of herbal flavor to the dish, complementing the other ingredients.
  • Wholesome skim milk: Milk adds moisture and creaminess to the loaf while helping to bind the ingredients together.
How to Make Lima Bean Loaf Recipe

Directions

Step 1. Preheat the Oven

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Grease a standard loaf pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray. Set the pan aside for later use.

Step 2. Prepare Lima Beans

  • Place tender lima beans in a saucepan.
  • Cover the beans with water and bring to a boil.
  • Boil the beans until they are tender. This typically takes around 15-20 minutes.
  • Drain the cooked beans and set them aside to cool.

Step 3. Saute Ingredients

  • In a skillet over medium heat, melt unsalted butter until it sizzles.
  • Add finely diced onion and thinly sliced celery to the skillet.
  • Cook the onion and celery until they become softened and translucent. This may take approximately 5-7 minutes. Set aside once done.

Step 4. Combine Ingredients

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed onion and celery mixture with the cooked lima beans.
  • Add grated farm-fresh carrots, seasoned whole wheat bread crumbs, sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, and skim milk to the bowl.
  • Thoroughly mix all the ingredients together until well combined.

Step 5. Add Binding Agents

  • Stir in premium all-purpose flour and the large egg into the mixture.
  • Continue mixing until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. This helps bind the mixture together.

Step 6. Incorporate Cheese and Peanuts

  • Gently fold in small pieces of creamy American cheese and crunchy roasted peanuts into the mixture.
  • Ensure the cheese and peanuts are evenly distributed throughout.

Step 7. Transfer Mixture to Loaf Pan

  • Pour the prepared mixture into the greased loaf pan.
  • Spread the mixture evenly within the pan.

Step 8. Bake the Loaf

  • Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven.
  • Bake the Lima Bean Loaf for approximately 45-50 minutes. The top should turn golden brown, and the loaf should feel firm to the touch when done.

Step 9. Rest and Serve

  • Remove the baked Lima Bean Loaf from the oven.
  • Allow it to cool in the pan for a few minutes.
  • Carefully transfer the loaf to a serving platter or cutting board.
  • Slice and serve the Lima Bean Loaf while warm.

Notes

Here are some tips to help you make the perfect lima bean loaf:

-Use fresh, high-quality ingredients to ensure the best flavor.
-If you don’t have cooked quinoa on hand, you can cook some in advance.
-You can use any type of chopped vegetables you like.
-Feel free to add more herbs and spices to the loaf if you like.
-To make the loaf extra flavorful, you can add some diced tomatoes or olives.
-If you like, you can top the loaf with some vegan cheese before baking.
-If the loaf is too dry, you can add a bit more vegetable broth.

Lima Bean Loaf Copycat Recipe

Nutrition Information

One serving of lima bean loaf (1/8 of the loaf) contains approximately:

-Calories: 180
-Fat: 9g
-Carbs: 18g
-Protein: 6g
-Fiber: 4g

How to Store Lima Bean Loaf ?

Lima bean loaf can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the loaf for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then heat in the microwave or oven until hot.

Variations

Here are some delicious variations of lima bean loaf that you can try:

Vegan cheese and tomato– Top the loaf with some vegan cheese and diced tomatoes before baking for extra flavor and texture.

Mexican-style– Add some cumin, chili powder, and diced jalapeños for a Mexican-style twist.

Italian-style– Add some Italian herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, and olives for an Italian-style twist.

Mediterranean-style– Add some feta cheese, olives, and oregano for a Mediterranean-style twist.

Vegetarian– Add some cooked ground beef or turkey for a meat-lovers version.

Lima Bean Loaf Copycat Recipe

Lima Bean Loaf Recipe

Lima bean loaf is a delicious, nutritious and easy to make vegan dish that is perfect for a family dinner. It is made with a combination of cooked lima beans, vegetables, herbs and spices, all blended together and then baked into a loaf shape.
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Author: Lori Walker, MS, RD
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 3
Calories: 318kcal

Equipment

  • loaf pan
  • Skillet or frying pan.
  • large mixing bowl
  • Saucepan or Pot
  • Serving Platter or Cutting Board

Ingredients

  • 1/2 onion finely diced
  • 2 tablespoons of premium all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup of farm-fresh carrots finely grated
  • 1/8 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 cup of tender lima beans
  • 1 large egg from free-range hens
  • 1/2 cup of crisp celery thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup of crunchy roasted peanuts
  • 1/2 cup of whole wheat bread crumbs seasoned and toasted
  • 1/2 slice of creamy American cheese
  • 2 tablespoons of rich unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup of wholesome skim milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt

Instructions

  • Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan and set it aside.
  • Prepare Lima Beans: Boil the tender lima beans until they are tender. Drain and set them aside.
  • Saute Ingredients: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the finely diced onion and thinly sliced celery. Cook until softened.
  • Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed onion and celery mixture with the boiled lima beans, grated farm-fresh carrots, seasoned whole wheat bread crumbs, sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, and skim milk. Mix well.
  • Add Binding Agents: Stir in the premium all-purpose flour and the large egg. Mix until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
  • Incorporate Cheese and Peanuts: Gently fold in the creamy American cheese (broken into small pieces) and the crunchy roasted peanuts into the mixture.
  • Transfer Mixture to Loaf Pan: Pour the prepared mixture into the greased loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
  • Bake the Loaf: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven. Bake for about 45-50 minutes or until the top turns golden brown and the loaf is firm to the touch.
  • Rest and Serve: Remove the Lima Bean Loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for a few minutes. Carefully transfer it to a serving platter or cutting board. Slice and serve warm.

Notes

  • -Use fresh, high-quality ingredients to ensure the best flavor.
  • -If you don’t have cooked quinoa on hand, you can cook some in advance.
  • -You can use any type of chopped vegetables you like.
  • -Feel free to add more herbs and spices to the loaf if you like.
  • -To make the loaf extra flavorful, you can add some diced tomatoes or olives.
  • -If you like, you can top the loaf with some vegan cheese before baking.
  • -If the loaf is too dry, you can add a bit more vegetable broth.
Keyword: Lima Bean Loaf Recipe

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is the best way to cook lima beans?

A1. The best way to cook lima beans is to soak them overnight in cold water and then cook them in a pot of boiling water for 25-30 minutes.

Q2. Can I make this lima bean loaf gluten-free?

A2. Yes, you can make this lima bean loaf gluten-free by using gluten-free quinoa.

Q3. Can I freeze this lima bean loaf?

A3. Yes, you can freeze the lima bean loaf for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then heat in the microwave or oven until hot.

Q4. What vegetables can I use in this lima bean loaf?

A4. You can use any type of chopped vegetables you like. Some great options are carrots, celery, onions, peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini.

Q5. Can I make this lima bean loaf in advance?

A5. Yes, you can make the lima bean loaf up to 3-4 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Q6. How many calories are in one serving of lima bean loaf?

A6. One serving of lima bean loaf (1/8 of the loaf) contains approximately 180 calories.

Q7. Can I freeze the leftovers?

A7. Yes, you can freeze the leftovers for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then heat in the microwave or oven until hot.

Conclusion

Lima bean loaf is a delicious, nutritious and easy to make vegan dish that is perfect for a family dinner. It is made with a combination of cooked lima beans, vegetables, herbs and spices, and is sure to please everyone. 

The loaf is easy to make and can be served as a main course, side dish or appetizer. It is a healthy and nutritious dish that is full of flavor and is sure to satisfy everyone. Plus, it is vegan and can be easily tailored to any dietary needs.

So, if you are looking for a tasty vegan dish that is sure to be a hit, then lima bean loaf is the perfect choice.

You’ll also like the latest recipes!

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Lori-Walker

My name is Lori Walker. I’m a registered dietitian, food blogger and food enthusiast. I share easy healthy, delicious recipes on my blog and review necessary kitchen items. The recipes I share take less… Read more

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