Shell Beans

Name: Shell Beans
Ingredients: 2 pounds Fresh Shell Beans (Can substitute with 1 cup dried lima beans); 6 cups Water (Adjust as needed); 1 teaspoon Salt (Or to taste); 2 tablespoons Butter (Optional, for seasoning); 0.75 cup Heavy Cream (Optional, for Cream of Lima Beans)

A simple and classic recipe for cooking shell beans, either fresh or dried, with options for a creamy variation.

Ingredients

2 pounds Fresh Shell Beans (Can substitute with 1 cup dried lima beans)
6 cups Water (Adjust as needed)
1 teaspoon Salt (Or to taste)
2 tablespoons Butter (Optional, for seasoning)
0.75 cup Heavy Cream (Optional, for Cream of Lima Beans)

Instructions

1If using fresh shell beans, shell them. If using dried lima beans, soak them in water overnight. Drain the beans before cooking.
2Place the beans in a pot and cover with fresh water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the beans are tender. Add salt during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
3Drain the beans, if necessary, ensuring that only a small amount of cooking liquid remains. Season with butter and salt to taste. Serve hot.
4For Cream of Lima Beans, after draining the cooked beans, add heavy cream and season with butter and salt. Reheat gently before serving.