Get a Taste of the South: A Rich, Flavorful Butter Beans Recipe

Photo byAngie Bright

When it comes to Southern comfort food, few dishes capture the heart and soul of home cooking quite like a pot of butter beans. These creamy, savory beans have been a staple in Southern kitchens for generations, offering a rich and flavorful dish that's perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them as a side or letting them shine as the main event, Southern butter beans are all about taking simple ingredients and transforming them into something special.

The Rich Tradition of Southern Butter Beans

Southern butter beans, also known as large lima beans, have a reputation for their velvety texture and delicate, buttery flavor. Slowly simmered to tender perfection, these beans absorb the aromatic blend of seasonings, creating a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying. For many, this recipe is more than just a meal—it’s a reminder of family gatherings, slow afternoons, and the warmth of Southern hospitality.

Paired with cornbread or spooned over a bed of fluffy rice, butter beans make a wholesome, hearty meal. Their subtle richness is brought to life with the addition of butter, herbs, and spices, all of which infuse the beans with layers of savory goodness. And while this recipe keeps it simple, the optional addition of ham can bring a smoky, meaty depth to the dish that elevates it to new heights.

Recipe: Southern Butter Beans

Ingredients:

• 1 pound dried large lima beans
• 1/2 large onion, diced
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Creole seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/2 cup salted butter
• 1 cup diced ham (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the beans: Start by sorting and rinsing your dried beans to remove any debris. For quicker cooking, you can soak the beans for about 2 hours before cooking.
2. Initial cooking: Place the beans in a large saucepan and cover with water, ensuring the water level is about 1-2 inches above the beans. Heat the beans on high until they begin to boil.
3. Let beans rest: Once the water comes to a boil, remove the pan from the heat. Cover with a lid and let the beans rest for at least an hour. Drain and rinse the beans after resting.
4. Simmer to tenderness: Add the beans back into the pan and cover them with fresh water. Bring the beans to a boil again, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
5. Season and cook: Add the diced onion, garlic powder, Creole seasoning, crushed red pepper, black pepper, bay leaves, and butter. Stir to combine and let the beans simmer for 2-3 hours. Stir occasionally, and add water as needed to keep the beans covered.
6. Optional ham: If you’re using diced ham, wait until the beans have cooked for at least an hour before adding the ham. Continue simmering until the beans are tender and the flavors have melded.
7. Serve: Once the butter beans are tender, remove them from the heat. Serve hot, accompanied by cornbread or rice for a traditional Southern meal.

A Dish that Warms the Soul

Southern butter beans are more than just a simple side dish—they’re a true celebration of Southern flavors and cooking traditions. The slow simmering process not only brings out the creamy texture of the beans but also allows the spices and butter to fully infuse every bite. The result is a dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious. Whether you're serving it as a part of a big family meal or enjoying a bowl on a cozy evening, butter beans are a reminder of the slow, savory cooking that defines Southern cuisine.

Here are some reliable sources that provide details on how to make traditional Southern Butter Beans:

1. Deep South Dish provides a thorough guide on making creamy Southern butter beans, emphasizing their signature slow-cooking method that leads to a rich, velvety texture. They include optional additions like ham hocks or bacon for added depth​(Deep South Dish).
2. Southern Bytes breaks down the process of preparing Southern butter beans with tips on how to ensure the beans are tender and flavorful. They also discuss serving suggestions like pairing the beans with cornbread or rice​(Southern Bytes).
3. Pear Tree Kitchen offers a recipe focusing on using butter, ham, and seasonings to create a rich, comforting dish. Their advice includes adding fat like butter to create creaminess without needing cream​(Pear Tree Kitchen).
4. Julia’s Simply Southern includes a recipe featuring both dried and fresh butter beans, allowing flexibility in preparation. This source highlights the importance of slow simmering with ingredients like chicken stock and ham hocks​(Julias Simply Southern).

These sources are great for understanding how to prepare and enjoy Southern butter beans, as they each provide unique tips and insights to ensure the dish comes out flavorful and authentic.