Instant Pot Baby Lima Beans

Baby lima beans (aka butterbeans) are one of my favorite foods in the whole world. And that’s not an exaggeration. I’ve even been known to eat a bowl of these for breakfast. Before the Instant Pot entered my life, making baby lima beans was a 45 minute process that involved simmering on the stove top.  But now, with just two minutes of prep, these Instant Pot baby lima beans couldn’t be any more simple to make – not to mention incredibly delicious!

The Difference Between Butter Beans and Lima Beans

There seems to be some debate over the difference between butter beans and lima beans. Some people swear they’re different beans. Others say that lima beans are a mature butter bean, while butter beans are baby limas. And even some others state that there is no difference at all.

So, is there a difference? The short answer is: No. Butter beans and lima beans are simply different names for the same bean. In the US south and in the UK, they’re commonly referred to as butter beans, while going by the name of lima beans in most other areas. So, you say lima bean, I say butter bean (and vice versa). Still not convinced? You can read more about the difference between butter beans and lima beans, along with several other names they go by, here.

Baby Lima Beans vs. Lima Beans

Now that we’ve established butter beans and lima beans are actually the same thing, what’s the difference between baby lima beans and lima beans? Baby lima beans are fresh and green, while regular lima beans (which are more mature), are typically dried and beige. For this recipe, you’ll want a bag of fresh frozen baby limas.

The Process

(Easiest on the Whole Internet!)

Place beans, water, black pepper, butter, and bay leaf in IP. Lock lid, close vent, and set manual time for 7 minutes on high pressure.

Open lid and add salt. Mix well, then allow to sit for at least 10 minutes on warm setting. Serve and enjoy!

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Instant Pot Baby Lima Beans

Super simple meatless butterbeans that are tender and sweet. Vegetarian or vegan recipe (depending on the butter you choose).

Course Side Dish

Cuisine Southern

Prep Time 2 minutes

Cook Time 23 minutes

Resting 10 minutes

Total Time 25 minutes

Servings 10

Calories 126 kcal

Author The Foodie Eats

Ingredients

• 28-30 oz. fresh frozen baby lima beans
• 3 cups water really just enough to cover beans
• 1/2 tsp. black pepper
• 2 Tbsp. butter can sub vegan butter
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp. salt

Instructions

1. Place beans, water, black pepper, butter, and bay leaf in IP. Lock lid, close vent, and set manual time for 7 minutes on high pressure.

2. Once cook time is complete, quick-release the pressure.

3. Open lid and add salt. Mix well, then allow to sit for at least 10 minutes on warm setting.
4. Serve and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

If you add the salt before cooking, the skin of the beans will be tougher. It is kind of a rule-of-thumb to always add salt to beans AFTER they are cooked.

Nutrition Facts

Instant Pot Baby Lima Beans

Amount Per Serving

Calories 126 Calories from Fat 18

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 2g 3%

Saturated Fat 1g 5%

Cholesterol 6mg 2%

Sodium 257mg 11%

Potassium 358mg 10%

Total Carbohydrates 20g 7%

Dietary Fiber 4g 16%

Protein 6g 12%

Vitamin A 4.5%

Vitamin C 8%

Calcium 3.1%

Iron 9.9%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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