Serves: 5
Total Calories: 144

2 cups fresh butter beans or lima beans
4 cups water
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
2 tablespoons butter *
1/2 cup milk or cream (optional)
pepper to taste

Wash and pick over the beans; cover with water in a saucepan with lid. Add salt and sugar. Boil for about 10 minutes, then add the butter.* Boil slowly until beans are tender, about 45 minutes to 1 hour. If pan becomes too dry, add a little warm water. There should be a little broth left with the beans. If desired, just before serving, add the milk or cream and season to taste with pepper; reheat.

*May substitute a piece of boiling meat about 2 inches square, 1-inch thick for the butter, if desired.


Fun Fact: The fewer beans in the pan, the quicker they cook and the better they taste. If cooking more than one pound at a time, use separate pans.

Nutritional Facts:

Serves: 5
Total Calories: 144
Calories from Fat: 45

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