Fresh Peeled Butter Beans Overview
Fresh peeled butter beans, also known as lima beans, are creamy and nutty-flavored legumes popular in various cuisines. They are versatile, fitting into both hearty and light dishes, with a tender yet creamy texture that blends well with other ingredients.
Health Benefits of Butter Beans
- High in Protein: Supports muscle health and helps meet daily protein needs.
- Fiber-Rich: Aids in digestion, reduces cholesterol, and stabilizes blood sugar.
- Rich in Folate: Important for heart health and cell regeneration.
- Iron Content: Helps prevent anemia by supporting red blood cell production.
- Magnesium and Potassium: Beneficial for cardiovascular health and muscle function.
- Antioxidant Properties: Helps combat oxidative stress and inflammation.
Nutritional Value (per 100g of Butter Beans)
- Calories: ~120 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Protein: 8g
- Fiber: 7g
- Vitamin C: 5 mg
- Iron: 2.5 mg
- Magnesium: 40 mg
- Potassium: 400 mg
How to Eat Butter Beans
- Stewed: Great for soups, stews, or curries.
- Mashed or Blended: As a creamy dip or side.
- Sautéed: With herbs and spices for a flavorful side.
- Salads: Adds protein and texture to cold salads.
- Baked: In casseroles or baked dishes for a hearty flavor.
Full Detailed Recipe for Butter Bean Masala
Ingredients
- Butter Beans: 200g, peeled and soaked
- Oil: 1 tablespoon
- Cumin Seeds: ½ teaspoon
- Onion: 1, finely chopped
- Tomato: 1 large, chopped
- Garlic and Ginger Paste: 1 teaspoon
- Green Chili: 1, chopped
- Turmeric Powder: ¼ teaspoon
- Coriander Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Red Chili Powder: ½ teaspoon
- Garam Masala: ¼ teaspoon
- Salt: To taste
- Fresh Coriander: For garnish
Instructions
- Soak Beans: Soak beans in water for 4-5 hours or overnight for easier cooking.
- Boil Beans: Drain and cook in water until tender (15-20 minutes).
- Heat Oil: Add oil to a pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add onion, sauté until golden, then add garlic-ginger paste and green chili. Sauté for another minute.
- Add Tomatoes and Spices: Add tomatoes, turmeric, coriander powder, red chili powder, and salt. Cook until tomatoes are soft and spices are fragrant.
- Add Butter Beans: Add cooked butter beans to the mixture. Stir well, adding water for desired consistency.
- Simmer: Cook for 5-7 minutes until beans absorb the flavors.
- Finish: Garnish with fresh coriander and serve with rice or flatbread.
5 Indian Recipes with Butter Beans
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Butter Bean Curry
- Ingredients: Butter beans, onion, tomato, ginger-garlic paste, garam masala, turmeric, chili powder, oil.
- Instructions: Prepare a spiced curry base, add butter beans, and simmer.
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Butter Bean and Potato Fry
- Ingredients: Butter beans, potatoes, cumin seeds, green chili, turmeric, salt, coriander.
- Instructions: Stir-fry butter beans with potatoes and spices for a dry curry.
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Butter Bean Pulao
- Ingredients: Butter beans, basmati rice, whole spices (cinnamon, cardamom), onion, cumin seeds, coriander leaves.
- Instructions: Sauté spices, add rice, and butter beans, cook until fluffy.
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Butter Bean Chaat
- Ingredients: Butter beans, chopped onions, tomatoes, chaat masala, green chilies, lemon juice.
- Instructions: Toss beans with chaat masala, veggies, and lime for a tangy snack.
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Butter Bean Soup (Dal)
- Ingredients: Butter beans, onion, garlic, cumin, turmeric, vegetable broth, salt.
- Instructions: Simmer beans with spices and blend partially for a creamy dal.
5 Non-Indian Recipes with Butter Beans
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Butter Bean Hummus
- Ingredients: Butter beans, tahini, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt.
- Instructions: Blend all ingredients until smooth for a creamy dip.
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Mediterranean Butter Bean Salad
- Ingredients: Butter beans, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, feta, olive oil, herbs.
- Instructions: Toss all ingredients with olive oil and herbs for a refreshing salad.
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Butter Bean and Tomato Stew
- Ingredients: Butter beans, tomatoes, onion, garlic, olive oil, vegetable broth, fresh thyme.
- Instructions: Sauté aromatics, add beans, tomatoes, and simmer for a hearty stew.
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Butter Bean and Spinach Stir Fry
- Ingredients: Butter beans, spinach, garlic, olive oil, lemon zest, salt, pepper.
- Instructions: Sauté garlic, add beans and spinach, cook until tender.
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Butter Bean and Roasted Veggie Pasta
- Ingredients: Butter beans, pasta, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, basil.
- Instructions: Roast veggies, toss with cooked pasta, butter beans, and herbs.
Fresh Peeled Butter Beans are a versatile ingredient that can enhance a variety of dishes, both traditional and modern. Enjoy experimenting with them in your cooking!