We are celebrating Butter Beans (Large Lima beans) this month! Did you know that nearly 100% of the dry Large Lima beans sold in the United States are grown in California? What better way to use this buttery bean than with cheese! This recipe is a take on the kid favorite, macaroni and cheese. Instead of the pasta just substitute Butter Beans in your favorite mac n cheese recipe or make this delicious version below. If you want to introduce the beans to your children gradually, why not make the recipe using half macaroni and half beans? Whether you call them Butter Beans or Large Lima Beans make this yummy dish!

Butterbeans and Cheese!!

Butterbeans and Cheese!!

Butter Beans and Cheese

Ingredients:

2 cups dry Large Lima beans also known as Butter Beans
3 cups half and half
6 Tablespoons finely chopped yellow onion
2 garlic cloves, minced
4 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
8 ounces goat cheese
2 1/2 cups grated white cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
4 Tablespoons sour cream
2 egg yolks
3 Tablespoons butter
1 cup Panko breadcrumbs

Directions:

  1. Sort and soak overnight in a large bowl the 2 cups of dry Large Lima beans in 6 cups of cold water.
  2. Drain and rinse the beans and place in a saucepan with fresh water to cover the beans plus 2 inches.
  3. Bring the beans to a boil and cook for 40 to 60 minutes or until tender. Drain the beans and set aside in a large bowl.
  4. Meanwhile in a large saucepan, bring the half and half, onion, and garlic to a simmer. Take about 3/4 of a cup of the mixture out of the saucepan and put it in a bowl with the flour and mix until it’s smooth. Return the flour mixture to the saucepan and cook over moderate heat, about 3 minutes, or until thickened. Remove from heat and whisk in the goat cheese, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese until melted. Stir in the sour cream. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Place the egg yolks in a bowl and gradually whisk in some of the cheese sauce to temper the yolks. Gradually whisk this mixture into the saucepan.
  6. Pour the sauce over the beans in the bowl and mix until evenly coated. Place the mixture in a casserole dish.
  7. Melt the butter and mix with the Panko breadcrumbs. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the butterbeans and cheese.
  8. Bake in a 400-degree oven for about 30 minutes until bubbly and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
Butterbeans and cheese before breadcrumb topping

Butter Beans and cheese before breadcrumb topping

Butterbeans and cheese with breadcrumb topping

Butter Beans and cheese with breadcrumb topping before baking

Let's eat!

Let’s eat!

Enjoy!

 

 

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