Description
Rustic Portuguese Hake with Butter Beans delivers Mediterranean comfort straight to dinner tables. Rich flavors of delicate fish and creamy legumes merge seamlessly, promising a delightful culinary journey you’ll savor with each hearty bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 pound (454 grams) dried large lima beans
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) diced ham (optional)
Seasonings and Spices:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Creole seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 bay leaves
Base Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (113 grams) salted butter
- 1/2 large onion, diced
Instructions
- Thoroughly cleanse lima beans under cool running water, ensuring no debris remains.
- Submerge beans in water, allowing them to steep for 60 minutes at room temperature.
- Drain and rinse beans again, removing any residual starch or impurities.
- Transfer beans to a fresh pot, covering completely with clean water.
- Gently bring liquid to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat.
- Incorporate aromatic seasonings including onion, garlic powder, Creole spice blend, crushed red pepper, ground black pepper, and fragrant bay leaves.
- Add rich, creamy butter to enhance flavor profile and create smooth texture.
- Allow mixture to simmer slowly for approximately 1-2 hours, periodically stirring to prevent sticking.
- If desired, introduce diced ham after first hour of cooking to infuse additional smoky notes.
- Periodically taste and adjust seasoning as beans tenderize and flavors develop.
- Once beans reach tender consistency and liquid reduces, remove bay leaves.
- Serve piping hot, accompanied by fluffy cornbread or steamed rice for a complete, satisfying meal.
Notes
- Soak beans thoroughly to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility, ensuring even softening and better nutrient absorption.
- Add extra flavor by using smoked ham or bacon instead of regular ham for a deeper, richer taste profile.
- Customize spice levels by adjusting Creole seasoning and red pepper flakes to suit personal heat preferences.
- For gluten-free option, serve over cauliflower rice or quinoa instead of traditional rice.
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 231 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 245 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 9 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg