Discover the unique appeal of Christmas lima beans, also known as calico beans, with their stunning markings and wonderfully creamy texture. This hearty soup blends these special beans with tender macaroni, aromatic garlic, and rich tomatoes to create a deeply satisfying meal. It is a comforting dish, perfect for cozy evenings, making this christmas lima bean recipe a true family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll adore this christmas lima bean recipe for its delightful blend of flavors and textures.
- Rich, Satisfying Flavor: Enjoy a deeply savory and comforting taste that warms you from the inside out.
- Effortless Preparation: This recipe is straightforward, making it perfect for beginners and busy cooks alike.
- Wholesome Ingredients: Uses simple, pantry-friendly items you likely already have on hand.
- Hearty & Comforting: A truly substantial meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, ideal for any season.
- Unique Texture: The creamy, tender Christmas lima beans offer a distinctive mouthfeel you’ll crave.
Ingredients
This christmas lima bean recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients to create a remarkably flavorful and comforting soup. Gather these items to get started on your delicious meal.
- 1 pound Christmas lima beans (dry, cooked with broth reserved as detailed below, or 2 1/2 pounds pre-cooked beans)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 pound macaroni pasta
- 8 garlic cloves, chopped (don’t shy away; the garlic mellows and flavors the whole soup)
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 1 large can (28 ounces) Italian plum tomatoes, roughly chopped with their juice (use fresh, ripe tomatoes if in season for a vibrant taste)
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Black pepper, freshly ground, to taste
- Salt, to taste
- Pecorino Romano cheese, freshly grated, for serving
Notes & Substitutions
Using dry Christmas lima beans offers a superior creamy texture and richer flavor compared to canned. If short on time, canned large lima beans can substitute, but rinse them thoroughly. Feel free to use other small pasta shapes like ditalini or elbow macaroni. For a vegan-friendly version, simply opt for vegetable broth. Enhance the fresh flavor with a mix of fresh basil alongside the parsley. A squeeze of lemon juice at the end can brighten the flavors.
Equipment
You won’t need many specialized tools for this delightful Christmas lima bean recipe.
- A large pot or Dutch oven, essential for simmering the soup.
- A colander for rinsing the beans and pasta.
- A sharp knife and a sturdy cutting board for preparing your aromatics.
Instructions
Creating this hearty Christmas lima bean recipe is a straightforward process. Follow these steps carefully for the best results, ensuring your beans are perfectly cooked and your soup is full of flavor.
How to Cook Christmas Lima Beans (Dry)
Properly cooking your dry Christmas lima beans is key to this comforting soup. This method ensures tender, creamy beans that absorb flavors beautifully.
- Soak the Beans: Place 1 pound of dry Christmas lima beans in a large bowl. Cover them with plenty of cold water, ensuring there’s at least 2 inches of water above the beans, as they will expand. Add 1 teaspoon of salt; this helps the beans cook more evenly. Let them soak overnight, or for at least 8 hours.
- Rinse Thoroughly: After soaking, drain the beans in a colander and rinse them well under cold running water. This removes any phytic acid and helps with digestibility.
- Simmer Until Tender: Transfer the rinsed beans to a large pot. Cover them with fresh cold water by about 2 inches. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cook for 45-60 minutes, or until the beans are very tender and creamy. Cooking time can vary depending on the age of the beans.
- Reserve Liquid: Once cooked, drain the beans, but make sure to reserve about 2 cups of the bean cooking liquid. This starchy liquid will add extra body and flavor to your soup.
Making the Hearty Soup
Now, let’s bring all the components together to create your satisfying Christmas lima bean recipe soup. This process builds layers of flavor.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in your large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until softened and translucent. Stir in the chopped garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add Tomatoes: Pour in the roughly chopped Italian plum tomatoes with their juice. Stir well and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to break down slightly and release their flavors.
- Combine & Simmer: Stir in the cooked Christmas lima beans and the 6 cups of chicken or vegetable broth. Also add the 2 cups of reserved bean cooking liquid. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Cook Macaroni Separately: While the soup simmers, cook the macaroni pasta in a separate pot of salted boiling water according to package directions, until al dente (slightly firm to the bite). Drain the pasta thoroughly.
- Add Pasta to Soup: Stir the cooked macaroni directly into the simmering soup. Continue to cook for another 5-10 minutes, or until the pasta is perfectly tender and has absorbed some of the soup’s rich flavors.
- Season & Garnish: Season the soup generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish each serving generously with fresh chopped parsley and a sprinkle of freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese. Enjoy your delicious Christmas lima bean recipe!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Mastering this christmas lima bean recipe is easy with a few extra pointers.
- Proper Bean Soaking: Always soak your beans in cold, salted water. This ensures even hydration and helps prevent burst skins during cooking.
- Check Bean Tenderness: Beans should be uniformly tender and creamy, not chalky or tough. Test a few throughout the cooking process. If they’re not soft enough, continue simmering with more water if needed.
- Prevent Mushy Pasta: Cook the macaroni separately to al dente. Add it to the soup only when you are ready to serve. This prevents the pasta from overcooking and becoming mushy if you have leftovers.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup before serving. Broth saltiness varies, so adjust salt and pepper as needed. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick.
- Add Depth with Parmesan Rind: If you have one, add a small piece of Parmesan rind to the soup while it simmers. Remove it before serving; it adds incredible umami depth.
- Troubleshooting Undercooked Beans: If your beans are still hard after the suggested cooking time, they might be older. Add more hot water and continue simmering until tender, checking every 15 minutes.
Serving, Storage & Variations
Make the most of your delicious Christmas lima bean recipe with these tips.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty soup is a meal in itself. Serve it alongside warm, crusty bread for dipping into the rich broth. A generous extra sprinkle of grated Pecorino Romano cheese is always welcome. For a lighter touch, pair it with a simple fresh green salad dressed with vinaigrette.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the soup (without the pasta if possible, or expect softer pasta) in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to reach your desired consistency. Microwave individual portions until heated through.
Variations
Get creative with your Christmas lima bean recipe!
- Add More Vegetables: Stir in a handful of fresh spinach or chopped kale during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Spicy Kick: Include a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic and onion for a bit of heat.
- Vegan Sausage: For a heartier vegan version, brown some plant-based Italian sausage before adding the onions.
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with other grated hard cheeses like Parmesan or even a sharp aged cheddar for a different flavor profile.
Nutrition Information
Christmas lima beans are a nutritional powerhouse, making this soup a healthy and satisfying choice. They are an excellent source of dietary fiber, promoting digestive health and keeping you feeling full longer. These beans also provide a good amount of plant-based protein, essential for muscle repair and growth. This christmas lima bean recipe offers a wholesome, nutrient-dense meal that is both comforting and good for you.
To learn more about the numerous health benefits, consider reading this detailed guide on lima bean nutrition facts and health benefits.
| Nutrients (Approximate per serving) | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 |
| Protein | 20g |
| Fiber | 15g |
| Healthy Fats | 10g |
| Carbohydrates | 60g |
FAQ
You’ve got questions about this delicious christmas lima bean recipe? We have answers!
What are Christmas lima beans?
Also known as calico beans, these heirloom beans feature stunning maroon and white markings. They boast a wonderfully creamy texture and a rich, earthy flavor when cooked.
Do Christmas lima beans need to be soaked?
Yes, soaking them overnight is highly recommended. It significantly reduces cooking time and helps ensure the beans cook more evenly to a tender consistency.
Can I use canned lima beans for this christmas lima bean recipe?
While you can, dry Christmas lima beans offer a superior creamy texture and richer flavor. If using canned, choose large lima beans, rinse them well, and reduce the soup’s simmering time.
How long do Christmas lima beans take to cook?
After an overnight soak, dry beans typically take 45-60 minutes to cook until tender on the stovetop. This time can vary slightly based on the bean’s age.
Is this recipe vegetarian/vegan?
This recipe is vegetarian as written. To make it completely vegan, simply substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the Pecorino Romano cheese when serving.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Cook the pasta separately and add it when reheating to prevent it from getting too soft.
Conclusion
This Hearty Christmas Lima Bean Soup with Macaroni Recipe truly embodies comfort in a bowl. With its creamy, flavorful beans, tender macaroni, and savory broth, it’s a meal that satisfies on every level. We encourage you to try this delightful and easy-to-follow christmas lima bean recipe in your kitchen soon. Share your creations with us; we love seeing your delicious results!
