They may not be candy, but these lima beans will melt in your mouth.

Many of the greatest Southern mains are made even better by a succulent side of soft green lima beans.

Delicately sweet, limas are starchy, velvety, and carry loads of flavor.

Southern Living Lima Beans in a bowl ready to serve

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

When the beans are gone, even the broth is worth sopping up, withcornbreadof course.

Learn how to make lima beans.

This recipe is a great reason to keep frozen lima beans in your fridge.

Southern Living Lima Beans ingredients

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Yes,butter beansand lima beans are the same thing.

Why Are They Called Lima Beans?

Lima beans are named after Lima, the capital city of Peru.

Southern Living Lima Beans cooking the garlic and pepper flakes

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Do Lima Beans Need To Be Soaked Before Cooking?

However, if you purchase frozen, fresh, or canned limas, no soaking is required.

This recipe calls for frozen lima beans, so you could skip the soaking step.

Southern Living Lima Beans adding the chicken broth to the garlic mixture

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Add broth:

Add the chicken broth and bring to a boil.

Reduce heat to achieve a simmer and cover.

Cook beans:

Cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Southern Living Lima Beans adding the beans and salt

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Lima Beans simmering until tender

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Lima Beans stirring in the rest of the butter to serve

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox