If you love lima bean recipes like these Greek Gigantes and these creamy butter beans, you will love these mashed lima bean potatoes smothered in an onion gravy. This recipe was an accidental discovery that has gone on to largely – and healthily – replace mashed potatoes in our spud-loving home. And as you have guessed by now, there really are no potatoes in this recipe. I have nothing against potatoes – I love ’em, and I welcome them into my kitchen and my tummy in moderation. But substituting the potatoes with lima beans in this dish makes it healthier, because lima beans have much more to offer by way of nutrition. For one, they are lower on carbs, and for another, they are protein and fiber superstars. Just one cup of cooked lima beans packs in 13 grams of protein and 15 grams of fiber. There is a pound of lima beans in this recipe, which cooks up to about 6-8 cups, so you do the math. I was cooking up lima beans for another recipe and had to leave the kitchen for an emergency. By the time I could return to the stove, the lima beans had overcooked, and when I picked up a bean, it crumbled in my fingers. As I chewed on it, wondering if my recipe was doomed, I kept thinking just how much like potatoes these overcooked lima beans were, both in flavor and texture, not to mention their look. So I drained the lima beans, blended them thoroughly with some roasted garlic and herbs, and then took things a step further and whipped them, as you would if you were making Creamy Vegan Mashed Potatoes. Whipping the beans gives them an airy, light texture, although if you don’t want to add this extra step, that’s fine too. Check to get new recipe updates by email.
Finally, to top it all off, I made a quick, onion-y gravy with some cashew cream. It was heaven, poured over the mashed lima bean potatoes, and we gobbled it down by spoonfuls with these vegan biscuits. (You can also find a delicious vegan mushroom gravy recipe here) There are many uses for this mash, besides just being a pretty and delicious side dish. You can smush it on some toast or bruschetta bread for a snack, or use it as a dip. Your tummy will thank you for it.
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