01
Step 1
Start by soaking the lima beans in a large bowl, covering them with plenty of water. Let them sit for at least 8 hours or overnight to soften.
01 / WHAT YOU NEED
Ingredients
02 / HOW TO MAKE IT
Let's cook.
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02
Step 2
Next, bring a pot of water to a boil along with the ham bone and an onion. Once it’s boiling, lower the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently until the onion is soft—this should take about an hour.
03
Step 3
Drain and rinse the soaked beans, then add them to the pot with the ham bone. Stir in the brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, dry mustard, and a pinch of salt. Cover the pot again and let everything simmer for about 2 hours.
04
Step 4
After that, remove the lid and keep simmering until the beans are nice and tender, which usually takes another 30 minutes or so. Take out the ham bone, chop up the meat into bite-sized pieces, and toss it back into the soup. Give it a good stir, and it’s ready to enjoy!
03 / EXTRA DETAILS
Good to know.
Cook's tip
- Use leftover spiral ham to save time and add extra flavor.
- Rinse lima beans well before cooking to remove any impurities.
- Simmer the soup gently to let all the flavors blend without overcooking the beans.
Why you’ll love it
This soup is warm and comforting, perfect for chilly days. The spiral ham adds a rich, smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with creamy lima beans. It’s a hearty dish that feels special but is easy to make.
Serving ideas
Serve the soup with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls to soak up the broth. A simple green salad on the side adds freshness and balances the richness. Garnish with chopped parsley for a pop of color.
Storage & leftovers
Let the soup cool completely before storing in an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
