The Limelight on Lima Beans

9. Preparing Lima Beans

Check the beans for debris and damage while you rinse them in a strainer under cool water. Presoak your lima beans to help reduce the sugars that cause gastric upset. This will also reduce the cooking time. Drain the soaking water and rinse the beans again with cool water. Add three parts water or broth and one part dried lima beans in a pot. Bring to a boil; reduce to simmer for 45 minutes. Do not add acidic or salty seasonings until the beans are done; otherwise, they may become tough and require longer cooking. These beans tend to produce foam, so it is best to avoid pressure cooking.