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    Home » Instant Pot

    Instant Pot Baby Lima Beans

    Published April 28, 2018. Last modified November 9, 2019 By Gary White

    6.5K shares
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    This is probably the easiest recipe for Instant Pot baby lima beans (butterbeans) that you'll find. Don't let that fool you. The results are amazing!

    Lima beans in white bowl, pictured from above.

    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!)

    Instant Pot Baby Lima Beans | The Foodie Eats

    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.

    Instant Pot Baby Lima Beans | The Foodie Eats

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

    And the Amazing Result...

    Close up of lima beans in white bowl.

     

    ★ Did you make this recipe? Please give it a star rating below!★

    Instant Pot Baby Lima Beans | The Foodie Eats

    Instant Pot Baby Lima Beans

    Super simple meatless butterbeans that are tender and sweet. Vegetarian or vegan recipe (depending on the butter you choose).
    4.95 from 72 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: Southern
    Prep Time: 2 minutes
    Cook Time: 23 minutes
    Resting: 10 minutes
    Total Time: 25 minutes
    Servings: 10
    Calories: 126kcal
    Author: Gary White

    Ingredients

    • 28-30 oz. fresh frozen baby lima beans *
    • 3 cups water really just enough to cover beans
    • ½ tsp. black pepper
    • 2 Tbsp. butter can sub vegan butter
    • 1 bay leaf
    • 1 tsp. salt

    Instructions

    • 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.
    • Once cook time is complete, quick-release the pressure.
    • Open lid and add salt. Mix well, then allow to sit for at least 10 minutes on warm setting.
    • Serve and enjoy!

    Video

    Notes

    • Opinions will vary, but in my experience, 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.
    • You can use slightly more or less beans. As long as they are covered in water, the cook time will remain the same.
    • Bags of frozen lima beans are marked "fresh frozen", as they are fresh beans that have been frozen. You may use either fresh frozen, or fresh lima beans for this recipe. This recipe was not written for dried beans. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 126kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 6mg | Sodium: 257mg | Potassium: 358mg | Fiber: 4g | Vitamin A: 225IU | Vitamin C: 6.6mg | Calcium: 31mg | Iron: 1.8mg
    Tried this Recipe? Tag us Today!Mention @The.Foodie.Eats or tag #TheFoodieEats!

     

    THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. TO FIND OUT MORE VISIT OUR DISCLOSURE PAGE.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Liga Auzins

      March 10, 2018 at 5:21 pm

      I have fresh butterbeans from the farmers market, much larger than the baby frozen limas. How long should I cook them? Thanks in advance for any advice.

      Liga Auzins

      Reply
      • Chef Gary

        March 13, 2018 at 10:47 am

        Hi Liga! That's a great question. I've never actually cooked them fresh before. But I would try starting with 15 minutes at high pressure with a QPR. Then, if needed, cook them more in maybe 10 minute intervals. Probably not the best help, but it's what I'd try to figure it out. Good luck! And please let me know how it comes out.

        Reply
    2. Grigori

      March 12, 2018 at 8:11 am

      How bout a recipe for dry Lima's ?

      Reply
      • Chef Gary

        March 13, 2018 at 10:39 am

        Ok, I'll do my best to post one soon!

        Reply
      • Summer Raborn

        September 05, 2018 at 4:13 pm

        5 stars
        We bought fresh lima beans and we cooked exactly as the recipe indicated and they turned out perfect! Seriously so good!!!! They were not mushy!

        Reply
    3. Anna Eastman

      April 09, 2018 at 12:19 pm

      5 stars
      I love these! I used my pressure cooker but I never time it. I just cook till I think they're done. I really like your recipe. I also add ham. Uncured, low sodium. It is actually cured but without nitrates and nitrites. I cut up the ham in big cubes, brown it in the skillet add water then dump that in with the limas and cook them in the pressure cooker. Funny growing up, my grandpa & grandma always called it a pressure cooker. Now it's a hot pot. 🙂

      Reply
    4. Rhonda

      May 04, 2018 at 2:20 pm

      Love these! They are perfectly done, just as they should be.

      Reply
    5. Rhonda

      May 04, 2018 at 2:21 pm

      5 stars
      I'd give this a 5-star rating if I could figure out how!

      Reply
      • Chef Gary

        May 05, 2018 at 12:28 pm

        You just did. 🙂 Glad you enjoyed them!

        Reply
    6. Kristin

      May 08, 2018 at 11:04 am

      5 stars
      I thought I was the only person that had lima beans as a favorite food!! I can eat them hot, cold, or lukewarm!

      Reply
      • Chef Gary

        May 08, 2018 at 11:43 am

        Thanks for the reminder... I have some leftover in the fridge! Glad you enjoyed them.

        Reply
    7. Don

      May 17, 2018 at 4:06 pm

      Why is the cook time listed as 23 minutes but the directions say cook for 7 minutes

      Reply
      • Chef Gary

        May 17, 2018 at 4:57 pm

        That includes time for the pressure cooker to come up to pressure.

        Reply
    8. Tamara

      May 26, 2018 at 4:41 pm

      I love this recipe, and have already made and eaten multiple batches by myself. Would love a recipe for dry lima beans, as I h=am more likely to have them on hand.

      Reply
    9. Cindy

      July 15, 2018 at 9:45 am

      5 stars
      So that’s 2lbs of beans?

      Reply
      • Chef Gary

        July 16, 2018 at 8:19 am

        I've found that different brands of frozen beans are different sizes. And honestly, it doesn't really matter as long as the beans are covered in water. But yes, it's around 2 pounds of beans.

        Reply
    10. Janet Johnston

      August 14, 2018 at 12:49 pm

      5 stars
      I have to admit - the Inst pot seems very complex. Your recipe for Lima beans was my second attempt. 5 stars from me. So delicious, so easy!

      Reply
    11. Robert Bruncati

      August 18, 2018 at 4:57 pm

      5 stars
      I had fresh butter beans from the farmer’s market. Followed this process, no bay leaf though, and added some beef stock. Cooked for the 7 minutes and they were perfect! I too eat these for breakfast!

      Reply
    12. Kate West

      September 02, 2018 at 4:46 pm

      5 stars
      Amazing! Tastes like I have been slaving away for hours on these beans, but so quick and simple to make. I really love the flavor of the bay leaf too!

      Thanks for sharing 🙂

      Reply
    13. Mark DeGross

      September 07, 2018 at 5:33 pm

      Well sorry, vegans/vegetarians- I want to add some smoked pork to them.. how much do you have to alter the recipe? I looked up another recipe, but it was for stove top directions, though- it called for chopped onion and minced garlic, I think...

      Reply
      • Chef Gary

        September 08, 2018 at 8:43 am

        Hey Mark. What I would recommend is this. Cook your pork first (probably for 20 minutes at high pressure) to create a broth, then release the pressure. Add the beans and then cook for 7 minutes at high pressure. Unfortunately, since the beans have such a short cook time, cooking them together probably won't yield the best result because the meat won't have time to release their goodness.

        I'm telling you though... I grew up eating them with pork (and still love it that way), but this method with butter and bay leaf is really great too! I think I may actually prefer it this way now. Maybe give it a shot?!

        Reply
    14. conguera

      September 08, 2018 at 12:09 pm

      5 stars
      Adding salt to beans softens the skins and makes them less likely to break. This is contrary to what our grandmothers taught us, but new experiments have proven it to be a myth. You can also add salt when cooking dried beans.

      Reply
      • Chef Gary

        September 08, 2018 at 12:43 pm

        I've actually tested it for myself before writing this article. So I respectfully disagree. But hey, whatever works for each of us in our own kitchens is just fine!

        Thanks for the rating and feedback!

        Reply
    15. Rebecca

      October 03, 2018 at 2:03 pm

      5 stars
      I made these last weekend and they were so good. I added bacon grease to mine because I am a southern girl and not a vegan (not that there's anything wrong with that). I also added salt at the beginning and they turned out great!

      Reply
    16. Annick Mcneil

      January 06, 2019 at 12:04 pm

      This was my very first Instant Pot recipe this morning. I love lima beans and thought I'd try something easy. They taste really good, but are a bit more mushy than i would have liked (i used to eat them from a can and love that they keep a slight firmness). I will try again but i wonder if i put too much water?
      I soaked them all night and cooked them on high pressure for 7 mins. I had 1.5 cups of dry beans when i started.

      Thanks for your help!

      Reply
      • Gary

        January 06, 2019 at 12:31 pm

        This recipe was not meant for dry beans. It was written for fresh or frozen green baby limas.

        Reply
    17. Laura Ann Gaskins

      January 15, 2019 at 12:26 pm

      5 stars
      Amazing! Tastes just like my mother in laws from the garden!

      Reply
    18. Kate

      February 07, 2019 at 7:09 pm

      5 stars
      I made this with soaked lima beans (soaked overnight) and according to your suggestions in a comment above, tried 15 minutes. They were still a little firm so I added another 7 minutes and they were perfect! Love this recipe and can't believe there is no onion: makes it such a simple and tasty recipe from what I usually have to do on the stove top.

      Reply
      • Gary

        February 08, 2019 at 8:47 am

        Thanks Kate, glad you enjoyed it!

        Reply
    19. Angie

      February 27, 2019 at 4:27 pm

      How do these taste v southern style (bacon or ham in them, etc)

      Reply
      • Gary

        February 28, 2019 at 2:00 pm

        Pretty different. These have a lighter, fresher taste. They're still surprisingly flavorful though.

        Reply
    20. Ann Corbin

      March 22, 2019 at 3:40 pm

      I am cooking for a big gathering and wanted to double. I guess that would be ok as long as water doesn't go past the fill line and it would be for the same amount of time??

      Reply
      • Gary

        March 24, 2019 at 7:44 am

        I would just barely cover the beans. You may not need to double the liquid.

        Reply
    21. Monica

      April 14, 2019 at 9:03 pm

      Great recipe, I used it as a base to get the texture of the limas right, added ham to make it a meal, but it's an awesome snack.

      Also respectfully, salting beans doesn't make them tough, but other factors can. The scientist in me abhors anecdotal evidence and I wouldn't want anyone believing an old wives tale is true in the face of facts. My duty is done. 😊

      I am a member of Cooks Illustrated but I realize that everyone isn't; I think the Kitchn is reputable enough. They do reference the corresponding Cooks article.

      https://www.thekitchn.com/think-salt-is-the-enemy-of-perfect-beans-think-again-196470

      Reply
      • Gary

        April 15, 2019 at 7:15 am

        Thanks for the comment and checking out our recipe. However, I respectfully disagree about the beans 🙂

        Reply
    22. Morgan

      April 20, 2019 at 5:57 pm

      5 stars
      Made these for a family Easter event this weekend. I doubled the recipe and they were perfect!

      Reply
    23. Rebecca

      April 21, 2019 at 8:09 pm

      Delicious!

      Reply
    24. Amy

      June 17, 2019 at 4:34 pm

      5 stars
      Perfection!!

      Reply
    25. Tom

      June 18, 2019 at 6:42 am

      5 stars
      Great recipe & soooooo easy. Thanks

      Reply
    26. Edie M. Streetman

      June 20, 2019 at 5:45 pm

      Thanks so much for the recipe. However, on the nutritional info it doesn't say how large a serving is.

      Reply
      • Gary White

        January 12, 2020 at 4:14 pm

        I apologize for the delayed response. You can find serving size information in the top of the recipe card, near the cook time and calorie count. This recipe makes roughly 10 servings.

        Reply
    27. Kenda

      June 24, 2019 at 8:28 pm

      I have some speckled butter beans (one of my favorites) I bought from a local produce market and have a new instant Pot. I am anxious to try this recipe out. I will let you know how they turn out.

      Reply
      • Gary White

        June 25, 2019 at 6:50 am

        This recipe is written for fresh or frozen beans, not dried beans. So I'm not sure that it would work with this method.

        Reply
    28. BOBBIE HUDGINS

      July 08, 2019 at 6:35 am

      5 stars
      good recipe, i used vegetable broth and added garlic.

      Reply
    29. Norma Hulgan

      July 15, 2019 at 9:09 pm

      5 stars
      Entire family loved them from my 92 year-old dad to my husband. Thank you.

      Reply
    30. Don Cox

      October 09, 2019 at 9:08 pm

      4 stars
      Great taste added onion,ham,garlic turned out a bit mushy ddd

      Reply
    31. Ann Crisp

      December 06, 2019 at 7:02 pm

      5 stars
      This is so delicious! Made it twice as written and loved it. Trying tonight substituting butter and salt with Better than Bullion ham flavor, as it made my dried pintos quite tasty!

      Reply
      • Gary White

        December 08, 2019 at 8:42 am

        Glad you enjoyed it!

        Reply
    32. Sandy Miller-George

      December 16, 2019 at 12:42 am

      5 stars
      Delicious!

      Reply
    33. Ann Crisp

      December 21, 2019 at 7:40 pm

      5 stars
      Does the salt rule include bullion? I love beans cooked with Better than Bullion ham flavor!

      Reply
    34. Sarah Smith

      January 03, 2020 at 9:31 pm

      5 stars
      These Lima beans were easy to make and taste delicious! I am so glad to have found this recipe!

      Reply
    35. William Bond

      January 27, 2020 at 6:30 pm

      5 stars
      It came out fabulous, I put a ham bone in there also to add flavor and wow wee!!, it was great!!!!!

      Reply
    36. Tricia

      January 31, 2020 at 10:40 am

      5 stars
      So delish and easy to make. My family loves beans. Being originally from NOLA, we do eat a lot of beans. Keep the recipes coming!!!!!!

      Reply
    37. Darlene Hall

      February 05, 2020 at 6:31 pm

      4 stars
      These are almost as good as Grandma used to make!

      Reply
    38. Tine Gill

      April 19, 2020 at 9:33 am

      I love baby lima beans. My mother used to cook them with okra and I always loved them that way but she always cooked them on the stove too. If I wanted to add okra and make them in the IP do you think that would work, without making the okra too mushy. I want the okra to be tender but not necessarily mushy.
      Thanks for your help 🙂

      Reply
      • Gary White

        April 22, 2020 at 8:05 am

        Hmm.. I think the fresh okra would be soft, but not overly mushy. Frozen okra on the other hand would definitely turn to mush. One thing that might help is if you defrosted the baby limas (if they're frozen). That way, the pot will come up to pressure more quickly, thereby reducing the amount of time you cook the okra. Hope this helps!

        Reply
    39. Debbie

      April 26, 2020 at 8:17 pm

      5 stars
      I very rarely rate anything, I had to take a moment to say I have been making Lima beans for 30 years, they are my husbands favorite. These are by far the best beans I’ve ever made, thank you for sharing the recipe!

      Reply
    40. H.L. Hartford

      May 26, 2020 at 1:20 pm

      What temp do you cook them on and for how long?

      Reply
      • Gary White

        May 26, 2020 at 9:56 pm

        Hi H.L. This recipe is written for the Instant Pot. In step one of the recipe card you'll see the time, and instead of a temp you select a pressure level: "Lock lid, close vent, and set manual time for 7 minutes on high pressure."

        Reply
    41. Tammy McDowell

      August 07, 2020 at 11:01 am

      5 stars
      Great recipe. My husband is on a low sodium diet, so I left the salt out and added it at the end just like the recipe called for, but only to my serving. I have grown up on beans, being a good ole southern girl, so I added just a little extra seasonings, but just as written this recipe is great. Also, since my husband is limited on sodium, I was thankful that there was no salt meat in the recipe to start with. Secret trick for adding it if trying to control sodium in someone else's food is to buy the real bacon pieces in the salad section of the grocery store and just top your beans with them. What a great dish! I wish I had a low sodium cornbread recipe to cooks with these beans!

      Reply
    42. MICHELLE

      September 18, 2020 at 5:37 pm

      5 stars
      This is a WONDERFUL way to prepare limas! I just used this recipe for the second time, and my seven year old is so excited over the prospect of enjoying these yummy beans again. 🙂 Thank you so much!

      Reply
    43. Andrea

      November 16, 2020 at 9:33 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe is amazing! I only remember having dry tasteless lima beans as a kid. I bought frozen lima beans when there was a shortage of frozen vegetables during the last year. I finally tried them with this recipe and they are sooo good! Thanks for the recipe. I'll be making these over and over again.

      Reply
    44. Tim Bradshaw

      January 12, 2021 at 4:42 pm

      Made this recipe about six weeks ago adding chicken broth cubes to water. My family ate the whole pot like they had never eaten anything like it. Using this again tonight. Cheers

      Reply
    45. Robin

      January 23, 2021 at 8:03 pm

      5 stars
      These were amazing! I have been attempting to cook fresh frozen baby limas for years and we never liked the texture. These were perfect!

      Reply
    46. Robin

      February 05, 2021 at 6:15 pm

      5 stars
      Best way that we’ve ever had fresh frozen baby Limas!

      Reply
    47. Renee Mitchell

      May 05, 2021 at 9:56 am

      How do I adjust this recipe to cook 10 oz. package of frozen lima beans in a mini-instant pot?
      Thanks you!

      Reply
      • Gary White

        May 11, 2021 at 7:25 pm

        The cook time will remain the same. Use half of the other ingredients.

        Reply
    48. Vicki

      June 27, 2021 at 9:51 am

      5 stars
      This recipe is delicious! I have made it multiple times. I'm from the south and grew up eating butter beans from my grandmother's garden. Never have been able to duplicate hers, but this one is so close, without the meat of course. Looking back, she prepared hers in a pressure cooker on the stove. that's why I never could arrive at the same tenderness while simmering in a regular pot! I'm so glad I found this recipe!

      Reply
    49. Andria

      August 20, 2021 at 10:49 am

      I have made this many times over the years! Sometimes I will sauté chopped small link sausage in my instant pot before adding the limas. It’s a quick weeknight meal that I serve over rice. Bread and butter pickles on the side. My family loves it!

      Reply
    50. Tracy

      October 07, 2021 at 8:35 pm

      Perfect Lima beans every time. Best recipe ever!

      Reply
    51. Sherri

      December 24, 2021 at 4:28 pm

      5 stars
      Baby limas are our favorite. Its the closest thing to a vegetable I can get my daughter to eat. The pressure pot works great for a really quick way. I also like to bake them in the oven at the same time as my meat. I add a chopped onion to the pot for extra flavor. Thank you for the recipe. I used it for Thanksgiving and will again tomorrow for Christmas dinner.

      Reply
    52. Jack

      February 10, 2022 at 10:54 am

      5 stars
      Delicious lima beans. Definitely a keeper recipe. Came out perfectly even though I put salt in the pot with all the other ingredients (my mistake.)

      Reply
    53. Branna

      July 09, 2022 at 1:00 pm

      5 stars
      I love limas cooked the old southern way with ham hocks. However, these were absolutely delish!! Will make again and again. Thank you!

      Reply
    54. FreyaFL

      December 19, 2022 at 7:39 am

      5 stars
      This was very good! (If I was a fan of lima beans, I'd probably say great. LOL) Mine did come out a bit mushy... and just now I realized when rechecking the time, I cooked mine for 8 minutes instead of 7. Hah! Mystery solved. Thank you very much for this!

      Reply
    55. cajuntw

      January 02, 2023 at 6:31 pm

      5 stars
      I found some homemade chicken broth that I had made. It was all the way in the back of the freezer so I knew I needed to use it soon. When it thawed out, yep, I used it in place of the water. YUM! YUM!

      Reply
    56. Jennifer

      January 14, 2023 at 9:16 pm

      3 stars
      Cooked for 8 minutes and we're undercooked. I'll try 10 minutes next time.

      Reply

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