Christmas Lima Bean Spread

Nigerian Christmas Lima Bean Spread with Chicken and Parsley

Region / culture: Niger | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour and 25 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

This Christmas Lima Bean Spread is a delicious and creamy appetizer that is perfect for holiday gatherings. The combination of tender lima beans, savory parmesan, and fresh parsley creates a flavorful spread that is sure to impress your guests.

History

Lima beans have been cultivated for thousands of years and are believed to have originated in Peru. The Christmas lima bean, with its distinctive red and white speckled pattern, is a festive addition to this spread. This recipe takes traditional lima beans and transforms them into a creamy and flavorful appetizer that is perfect for the holiday season.

Ingredients

1 small white onion
2 garlic cloves
1 cup uncooked dried Christmas lima beans
4.5 cups chicken or vegetable stock
0.5 cup extra virgin olive oil
0.25 cup fresh grated parmesan
0.5 cup chopped parsley
salt and pepper to taste

How to prepare

Peel the onion and chop coarsely.
Peel the garlic cloves and crush them with the side of a knife.
In a 2 qt (1.89 liter) saucepan, combine the onion, garlic, and beans.
Cover with two cups of stock and cook over medium-high heat until the beans are very soft and tender, about one hour and twenty-five minutes.
When the beans are tender, remove from the heat and spoon them into a bowl to cool.
Puree the cooled beans in a blender or food processor with the olive oil until creamy and smooth.
Spoon the mixture into a large bowl and fold in the parmesan and parsley.
Add salt and pepper to taste.
Cover and refrigerate.

Variations

Add roasted garlic for a deeper flavor.
Top with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a touch of sweetness.
Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the beans until they are very soft and tender to ensure a smooth and creamy texture.

- Pureeing the beans with olive oil helps to create a creamy consistency.

- Adjust the seasoning to taste, adding more salt and pepper as needed.

- For a smoother texture, blend the mixture for a longer period of time.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Christmas Lima Bean Spread with toasted baguette slices, crackers, or fresh vegetables for dipping.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the beans until they are very soft and tender for a smooth texture.

- Puree the beans with olive oil for a creamy consistency.

- Fold in the parmesan and parsley at the end for added flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use regular lima beans if you can't find Christmas lima beans.

- Substitute grated pecorino or asiago cheese for the parmesan.

Make Ahead Tips

This Christmas Lima Bean Spread can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the spread in a decorative bowl garnished with fresh parsley and a drizzle of olive oil.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this Christmas Lima Bean Spread with a crisp white wine or a sparkling cider for a festive touch.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this Christmas Lima Bean Spread contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of this Christmas Lima Bean Spread contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of this spread contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of this spread contains approximately 8 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Lima beans are a good source of iron, magnesium, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (parmesan cheese) and may not be suitable for those with dairy allergies.

Summary

This Christmas Lima Bean Spread is a nutritious and flavorful appetizer that is rich in protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats.

Summary

This Christmas Lima Bean Spread is a delicious and nutritious appetizer that is perfect for holiday gatherings. With its creamy texture and flavorful ingredients, it is sure to be a hit with your guests.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of awe. It was a chilly December day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret for a holiday gathering. As I walked into her cozy kitchen, the aroma of cinnamon and cloves filled the air, and I knew that a feast awaited me.

Margaret greeted me with a warm hug and a wide smile, her eyes twinkling with excitement. "I have a new recipe to share with you, my dear," she said, as she handed me a small scrap of paper that was covered in her elegant handwriting. The words "Christmas Lima Bean Spread" were written at the top, and I couldn't wait to learn more.

Margaret explained that the recipe had been passed down through her family for generations, originating from her great-grandmother who was a renowned cook in the small village where they lived. She described how the dish was a staple at their Christmas table, enjoyed by all who gathered to celebrate the season.

As she began to gather the ingredients, Margaret shared stories of her childhood spent in the kitchen with her grandmother, learning the art of cooking from a young age. She spoke of the love and care that went into each dish, and how she had inherited her grandmother's passion for creating delicious meals that brought people together.

I watched intently as Margaret cooked, her hands moving with precision and grace. She added the tender Lima beans to a pot of simmering water, along with fragrant herbs and spices that filled the kitchen with a delightful aroma. As the beans cooked, she explained how they would be blended with creamy goat cheese and fresh herbs to create a smooth and savory spread that would be perfect for spreading on crackers or crusty bread.

As the dish came together, Margaret invited me to taste a spoonful of the spread. The flavors were rich and complex, with hints of garlic and rosemary that danced on my palate. I couldn't believe how something so simple could be so delicious, and I knew that I had to learn how to make it for myself.

Margaret smiled as she saw the delight on my face. "I'm so glad you enjoy it, my dear," she said. "Cooking is a gift that we can pass down through the generations, and I'm honored to share this recipe with you."

I thanked Margaret for her generosity and vowed to carry on the tradition of making Christmas Lima Bean Spread in my own kitchen. As I left her house that day, I felt a renewed sense of connection to my own family's culinary heritage, and I knew that this recipe would become a treasured part of my own holiday celebrations for years to come.

Since that day, I have made Christmas Lima Bean Spread for countless gatherings and special occasions, sharing the recipe with friends and family who have all fallen in love with its unique and comforting flavors. Each time I prepare the dish, I am reminded of Margaret and her grandmother, and the bond that we share through our shared love of food and tradition.

As I grow older, I am grateful for the recipes that have been passed down to me, each one a precious reminder of the love and care that went into creating them. Cooking is more than just a means to nourish our bodies—it is a way to connect with our past, preserve our heritage, and create new memories that will be cherished for generations to come.

And so, as I sit down to enjoy a bowl of Christmas Lima Bean Spread with my loved ones this holiday season, I am filled with gratitude for the gift of cooking and the joy that it brings to all who gather around the table. I raise my glass in a toast to Margaret, her grandmother, and all the cooks who came before me, whose recipes continue to inspire and nourish us to this day. Cheers to family, tradition, and the magic of a good meal shared with those we hold dear.