You’ve never tried Instant Pot Lima Beans until you try this version made with cranberry-speckled Christmas Limas. This heirloom variety is large, attractive and easy to cook—the kind of dish that quickly becomes a family favorite.
- What are Christmas Lima Beans?
- Do I have to use an Instant Pot?
- What to do when ham is pricey
- Can I use any lima bean?
- What to do if your beans aren’t cooked
- Recipe
What are Christmas Lima Beans?
Christmas lima beans are an heirloom variety known for their large size—about the diameter of a quarter—and their cranberry-and-white marbled pattern. They have a slightly sweet, nutty character that some compare to chestnuts, and their color and flavor make them memorable in any dish.
Because they’re large, each bean is almost like a bite-sized treat. They hold up well in cooking and pair beautifully with ham, onion and simple seasonings.
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I first encountered these beans from a seed supplier and later found them commercially dried. They’re a specialty product, but any large dried lima bean will work well in the recipe below.
Do I have to use an Instant Pot?
No. The Instant Pot is convenient and fast, but you can also make these lima beans on the stovetop or in a slow cooker. The recipe includes instructions for stovetop simmering and slow-cooker methods so you can choose the approach that fits your kitchen.
Ingredients
Note: The photo here is missing an onion—use the ingredients list below for the full recipe.
What to do when ham is pricey
Use end pieces, extra slices, or a ham steak to keep costs down. Since the ham is chopped and cooked with the beans, the flavor is the same regardless of the cut. Leftover smoked ham or economical pieces from the deli work well.
Can I use any lima bean?
Yes—this recipe works with any large dried lima beans. If you use baby limas, they will cook faster; try an initial pressure-cook of about 6 minutes, then check for doneness and add 3–5 minutes more if needed.
What to do if your beans aren’t cooked
If beans are still firm after pressure cooking, they may be old or weren’t soaked long enough. Make sure they’re covered with enough liquid and pressure cook for an additional 3–5 minutes. Very old beans sometimes won’t soften fully even with extended cooking, so check package dates when possible.
What to serve with lima beans
With ham included, these lima beans make a hearty main course. For a complete meal, serve with cornbread and a simple side salad. A moist jalapeño cornbread pairs especially well with the beans’ earthy, smoky flavors.
Recipe
Instant Pot Lima Beans
Prep Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (includes soaking) • Cook Time: 35 minutes (pressure cook) • Total Time: about 2 hours 50 minutes • Servings: 6 • Calories: 189
Equipment
- 6-quart Instant Pot (or covered skillet)
- Alternatively, Dutch oven or stock pot for stovetop
- Or crockpot for slow-cooker method
Ingredients
- 1 pound dried lima beans (used heirloom Christmas limas; any large lima will do)
- 1/2 pound smoked ham, roughly chopped
- 1/2 large onion, sliced and separated into slivers
- 4 cups chicken stock or broth
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
- Sort beans on a tray and remove any debris. Rinse in a colander, then place in a large bowl and cover with water by 2–3 inches. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours or, preferably, overnight. Drain and rinse again, then place beans in the Instant Pot liner.
- Add the chopped ham, sliced onion, chicken stock, pepper and garlic to the Instant Pot. Stir to combine.
- Ensure the beans and other ingredients are covered with liquid. Add the bay leaf.
- Check the Instant Pot lid seal and vent. Close the lid, set the vent to Sealing and choose Manual/High Pressure for 10 minutes. Allow a natural release for 15 minutes, then carefully open the vent to release any remaining pressure. Total active cook time is roughly 30–35 minutes.
- If beans are still firm, add more liquid if needed and pressure cook an additional 3–5 minutes. See notes for stovetop and slow-cooker alternatives.
Notes
Stovetop: Place all ingredients in a pot, bring to a boil, then reduce to low and simmer for 2–3 hours. Monitor liquid and add water if needed.
Crockpot: Combine ingredients and cook on high for 3–4 hours or on low for 7–8 hours.
Yield: About 6 servings as a meal or 12+ as a side dish.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Calories: 189 • Fat: 4g • Sodium: 690mg • Carbohydrates: 23g • Fiber: 6g • Sugar: 5g • Protein: 16g
*Percent daily values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Percent Daily Values are estimates. If you have specific dietary needs, calculate nutrition using package labels. The authors and site are not liable for results from following this recipe.
© 2019-2026 Kim Guzman and Christian Guzman. All rights reserved.
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