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Speckled butter beans are a type of legume that is popular in the Southern United States. They are also known as colored butter beans, cranberry beans, or borlotti beans. They have a creamy texture and a nutty flavor that makes them a delicious side dish or a hearty main course.
There is nothing like a pot of speckled butter beans to warm you up on a chilly day. These beans are also called speckled lima beans, and they have a creamy and nutty flavor that is different from regular lima beans. They are very easy to cook, and you only need a few ingredients to make them delicious.
What are Speckled Butter Beans?
Speckled butter beans are a variety of lima beans that have a brownish-red color with dark spots or speckles. They are usually harvested when they are mature and dried, but they can also be found fresh or frozen in some markets. Speckled butter beans are rich in protein, fiber, iron, folate, and potassium, and can help lower cholesterol and blood pressure.
Ingredients
- Speckled butter beans, 1 pound
- 6 pieces chopped, cooked bacon ( about ½ a pound)
- 32 ounces of chicken stock or chicken broth
- Onion powder, ½ teaspoon
- Garlic powder, ½ teaspoon
- salt & pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions To Make Speckled Butter Beans
Step 1
In a large Dutch oven or stockpot over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until semi-crisp. It is possible to remove the bacon from the pan with a slotted spoon once it is done or to leave it in the pan if it is still warm. It stays in the pan.
Step 2
You can scrape the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon, loosening any bacon bits, by adding ¾ cup of chicken stock to the stockpot with the bacon.
Make sure the pot is filled with beans.
Step 3
If you have a little more liquid than 1″ inch, it’s okay (it’s okay if there is more liquid than 1″ inch).
Step 4
Add garlic powder and onion powder, stirring, and cook on low heat until tender (I like to cook mine slowly, but if you’re in a hurry, you can turn up the heat and it takes about 30 minutes).
Step 5
Before serving, sprinkle salt and pepper on top.
Step 6
Adding the cooked bacon back to the pot or garnishing individual bowls is an option if you took it out before serving the beans.
Tips And Tricks For Perfect Speckled Butter Beans
- Speckled butter beans are a delicious and nutritious dish that can be enjoyed as a side or a main course. Here are some tips and tricks to make the best-speckled butter beans:
- Soak the dried beans overnight in water with a pinch of baking soda. This will help soften the beans and reduce the cooking time.
- Rinse the beans well before cooking and discard any discolored or shriveled ones.
- Use a large pot with enough water to cover the beans by at least two inches. Add some salt, bay leaves, garlic, onion, and ham hock or bacon for extra flavor.
- Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the beans are tender, about an hour or more depending on the size and age of the beans. Check the water level occasionally and add more boiling water if needed.
- When the beans are done, remove the bay leaves, garlic, onion, and ham hock or bacon. You can shred the meat and add it back to the beans if you like.
- Season the beans with more salt, pepper, butter, and vinegar to taste. Enjoy your speckled butter beans with cornbread, rice, or greens.
FAQs about Speckled Butter Beans
What is the difference between speckled butter beans and lima beans?
Speckled butter beans are a type of lima bean that have different colors and flavors. Lima beans are usually green or white and have a mild taste, while speckled butter beans are brownish-red with dark spots and have a creamier and nuttier taste.
Do I need to soak frozen speckled butter beans overnight?
No, you do not need to soak frozen speckled butter beans overnight. Frozen beans are already blanched and partially cooked before freezing, so they do not require soaking to rehydrate them.
Can I use canned speckled butter beans instead of fresh or frozen ones?
Yes, you can use canned speckled butter beans if you cannot find fresh or frozen ones. However, canned beans tend to be softer and saltier than cooked-from-scratch ones, so you may want to rinse them well and adjust the cooking time and seasonings accordingly.
Conclusion
This recipe for speckled butter beans is one of my favorites because it is simple, tasty, and satisfying. It only requires a few ingredients and minimal effort, but it delivers a lot of flavor and comfort. It is also a great way to use up any leftover bacon or chicken broth that you may have in your fridge. I hope you enjoyed this blog post and learned something new about speckled butter beans. If you try this recipe, let me know how it turned out in the comments below. I would love to hear from you!
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Speckled Butter Beans Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound Speckled butter beans
- 6 pieces chopped, cooked bacon ( about ½ a pound)
- 32 ounces chicken stock or chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon Onion powder
- ½ teaspoon Garlic powder
- salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large Dutch oven or stockpot over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until semi-crisp. It is possible to remove the bacon from the pan with a slotted spoon once it is done or to leave it in the pan if it is still warm. It stays in the pan.
- You can scrape the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon, loosening any bacon bits, by adding ¾ cup of chicken stock to the stockpot with the bacon.Make sure the pot is filled with beans.
- If you have a little more liquid than 1" inch, it's okay (it's okay if there is more liquid than 1" inch).
- Add garlic powder and onion powder, stirring, and cook on low heat until tender (I like to cook mine slowly, but if you're in a hurry, you can turn up the heat and it takes about 30 minutes).
- Before serving, sprinkle salt and pepper on top.
- Adding the cooked bacon back to the pot or garnishing individual bowls is an option if you took it out before serving the beans.