| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 60 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 365 | 8.5g | 1.2g | 60g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 22g | 15g | 15g | 0.7g |
From the vivid colors and richness of the Boston seafood scene, to the heartiness of my Irish ancestors’ comfort dishes, I’ve always had a keen appreciation for food that tells a story. The recipe I’ll be sharing with you today, Spicy Lima Bean Curry, is a dish that strongly resonates with me and it reflects my penchant for flavor-rich and healthful food options.
A Healthy Blend of Ingredients
For me, food isn’t just about culture or heritage; it’s also a huge part of maintaining my health. This vegetable-based Spicy Lima Bean Curry is a brilliant example of a healthful, nutritious dish that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Packed tightly with high fiber Lima beans, flavorful spices, and a delightful blend of mango and pineapple, this curry isn’t just a feast for the palate, it also has some impressive health benefits. The ingredients used are known for their contributions to overall health and immunity, including essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber.
The angiogenesis foundation (source) highlights substances such as garlic and turmeric as powerhouses of wellness. Garlic helps improve heart health, while turmeric contains potent antioxidants known to ward off inflammation.
A Versatile, Hearty Delight
One of the reasons I love this Spicy Lima Bean Curry is its incredible versatility. Having grown up with the comforting aroma of Irish stews and the tantalizing hints of New England seafood, I’ve always valued dishes that can stand alone yet work superbly when paired with others. This recipe, with its blend of sweet and spicy elements, would work wonderfully with a serving of crusty bread, akin to the Irish tradition of serving stews and soups with Soda Bread. It could also be paired with sautéed shrimp or grilled fish for a more tropical flavor profile, paying homage to my Boston roots.
While it bears a resemblance to the Caribbean Curry Chicken (source), it uses Lima beans as the protein source, making it an excellent vegetarian or vegan alternative. I adore this aspect of the recipe- it showcases how plant-based meals can be just as delectable and satisfying.
So whether you’re a vegan looking for a new spicy twist, or someone like me who loves both the hearty stews of Ireland and the seafood feasts of Boston, I hope you’ll find immense joy in this recipe, just as my family and I have.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups dried lima beans
- 4 cups water
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp curry powder
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 cups cubed mango
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1 lime, juiced
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Method
Step One
Place the dried lima beans in a large pot, add the water, and bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the beans simmer until they are tender, approximately 1 hour.
Step Two
While the beans are simmering, start preparing the curry. Heat the vegetable oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Step Three
Add in the chopped onion and minced garlic, stirring frequently until the onion has become translucent.
Step Four
Mix in the curry powder, turmeric, and cayenne pepper, stirring well to coat the onion and garlic in the spices.
Step Five
Add the can of diced tomatoes (including its juice) and the diced bell pepper into the saucepan. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
Step Six
Once the beans are tender, drain them and add to the saucepan.
Step Seven
Add the cubed mango and pineapple chunks into the saucepan. Stir everything together, making sure all the ingredients are well mixed.
Step Eight
Let the curry simmer for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Adjust the heat if needed to maintain a gentle simmer.
Step Nine
Stir in the lime juice, and add salt to taste. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
Step Ten
Before serving, garnish the curry with fresh cilantro. Enjoy your Spicy Lima Bean Curry!
