Lima Beans Bretonne

Lima Beans Bretonne Recipe from France

Region / culture: France | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Lima Beans Bretonne is a delicious and hearty dish that combines the creamy texture of lima beans with a flavorful tomato sauce. This recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner at home or for entertaining guests.

History

Lima Beans Bretonne is a classic French dish that originated in the Brittany region of France. The dish is named after the region where it was first created, and it has since become a popular comfort food in many households around the world.

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter
1 medium onion, chopped
0.5 medium green pepper, chopped
1 large celery stalk, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
0.5 cup dry white wine (or water or chicken broth)
1 can (16 oz or 454 g) lima beans, drained or 10 oz or 283 g package frozen limas, cooked
1 cup crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
1.5 tsp sugar
0.5 tsp dried oregano flakes
0.5 tsp dried basil
black pepper to taste

How to prepare

Heat oil and butter in a large skillet or chicken fryer over medium heat.
Add chopped onion, green pepper, and celery and sauté until the onion starts to brown.
Add garlic and sauté for a minute longer.
Add white wine and drained limas and bring to a boil.
Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the wine is mostly reduced.
Add tomatoes and seasonings. Simmer for another ten minutes.

Spaghetti

Cook 0.5 lb (227 g) spaghetti.
Add 1 tbsp of olive oil and 0.25 cup of grated cheese to the drained pasta. Place on a plate and add limas.
Extra grated cheese is also good.

Variations

Add cooked bacon or ham for a smoky flavor.
Substitute other beans such as kidney beans or black beans for a different twist.
Add diced tomatoes or bell peppers for extra color and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to sauté the vegetables until they are soft and fragrant to build flavor in the dish.

- Simmering the lima beans in the tomato sauce allows them to absorb the flavors of the sauce.

- Adding a splash of white wine adds depth and complexity to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Lima Beans Bretonne can be served as a main dish with a side of crusty bread or over cooked rice. It pairs well with a green salad or steamed vegetables.

Cooking Techniques

Sautéing the vegetables before adding the lima beans and tomato sauce helps to develop the flavors of the dish.

- Simmering the dish allows the flavors to meld together and creates a rich and hearty sauce.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.

- Substitute fresh herbs for dried herbs for a brighter flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Lima Beans Bretonne can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Lima Beans Bretonne in a shallow bowl with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top for a pop of color. Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil or a dollop of sour cream.

Pairing Recommendations

Lima Beans Bretonne pairs well with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a light red wine such as Pinot Noir. For a non-alcoholic option, try serving with sparkling water with a splash of lemon.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

240

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 32g

- Dietary Fiber: 8g

- Sugars: 6g

Fats

- Total Fat: 8g

- Saturated Fat: 3g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 9g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 10% DV

- Vitamin C: 30% DV

- Iron: 15% DV

Alergens

Contains dairy (butter, cheese)

Summary

Lima Beans Bretonne is a nutritious dish that is high in fiber, protein, and vitamins. It is a satisfying meal that is perfect for a balanced diet.

Summary

Lima Beans Bretonne is a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy dinner at home. With a rich tomato sauce and tender lima beans, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a happy memory that I hold dear to my heart. It was many years ago when I was just a young girl, eager to learn the art of cooking from my mother and grandmother. One summer afternoon, as I helped my grandmother prepare a delicious meal for our family, she introduced me to a new recipe that she had recently learned from a friend. It was for Lima Beans Bretonne, a dish that originated from the beautiful region of Brittany in France.

My grandmother had always been a wonderful cook, with a talent for creating the most delicious and flavorful dishes. She had a vast collection of recipes that she had acquired over the years, from friends, family, and even strangers she had met during her travels. Each recipe held a special place in her heart, and she loved sharing them with me and passing down her culinary knowledge.

As we gathered the ingredients for the Lima Beans Bretonne, my grandmother began to tell me the story of how she had come to learn the recipe. She explained that she had met a kind elderly woman while on vacation in Brittany, who had invited her into her home and shared her family recipe for the dish. The woman had passed down the recipe through generations, and my grandmother was honored to have been entrusted with it.

I watched intently as my grandmother prepared the dish, following each step with precision and care. She sautéed the onions and garlic until they were fragrant, then added the lima beans and tomatoes, allowing the flavors to meld together on the stove. Finally, she sprinkled in a secret blend of herbs and spices, giving the dish a unique and unforgettable taste.

As the Lima Beans Bretonne simmered on the stove, filling the kitchen with its rich aroma, my grandmother shared with me her love for cooking and the joy it brought her to create delicious meals for her loved ones. She told me that cooking was not just about following a recipe, but about putting love and care into each dish, creating something special that would bring people together and create lasting memories.

When the dish was finally ready, my grandmother served it up with a smile, proud of the delicious meal she had created. The Lima Beans Bretonne was a hit with our family, who couldn't get enough of the savory and comforting flavors. As we sat around the table, enjoying the meal together, I felt grateful to have learned this recipe from my grandmother and to have shared in the joy of cooking with her.

Since that day, Lima Beans Bretonne has become a staple in our family gatherings, a dish that always brings back fond memories of that summer afternoon when my grandmother first taught me how to make it. I have shared the recipe with friends and loved ones, passing down the tradition of cooking and creating delicious meals that bring joy and happiness to those who enjoy them.

As I look back on that happy memory of discovering the Lima Beans Bretonne recipe for the first time, I am reminded of the love and passion that my grandmother instilled in me for cooking. Her recipes and culinary wisdom have been a constant source of inspiration and joy in my life, and I am grateful for the gift of her knowledge and expertise. Cooking will always hold a special place in my heart, thanks to the lessons and memories that my grandmother has shared with me over the years.