Here’s a list of ingredients for a **lima bean and fennel stew with beans and grains**, formatted with SEO-friendly keywords for better search visibility:
- **Lima beans** (1 cup dried or 2 cups canned, rinsed and drained)
*(Keywords: lima beans, healthy beans, protein-rich beans)*
This ingredient list is optimized for SEO with relevant keywords to help your recipe rank higher in search results while appealing to health-conscious and plant-based audiences.
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Steps
# How to Make a Flavorful Lima Bean and Fennel Stew with Beans and Grains
This **lima bean and fennel stew** is a hearty, nutritious, and plant-based dish perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep. Packed with protein-rich beans, wholesome grains, and aromatic fennel, this stew is a delicious way to enjoy a **healthy, vegan-friendly meal**. Follow these detailed steps to create a flavorful stew that’s sure to impress.
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## **Ingredients**
- 1 cup dried lima beans (or 2 cups canned, drained)
- 1 cup mixed grains (quinoa, barley, or farro work well)
- 1 large fennel bulb, thinly sliced (reserve fronds for garnish)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups vegetable broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or fennel fronds for garnish
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## **Step-by-Step Instructions**
### **1. Prepare the Lima Beans**
- If using dried lima beans, soak them overnight in water. Drain and rinse before cooking.
- In a large pot, add the soaked beans and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 45-60 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside. (Skip this step if using canned beans.)
### **2. Cook the Grains**
- Rinse the grains thoroughly under cold water.
- In a separate pot, combine 1 cup of grains with 2 cups of water or broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook according to package instructions (typically 15-20 minutes). Fluff with a fork and set aside.
### **3. Sauté the Vegetables**
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat.
- Add diced onions, carrots, celery, and sliced fennel. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, thyme, and bay leaf. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
### **4. Build the Stew**
- Add the cooked lima beans, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth to the pot. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Let it cook for 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
### **5. Add the Grains**
- Stir in the cooked grains during the last 5 minutes of cooking. This ensures they absorb the stew’s flavors without becoming mushy.
### **6. Season and Garnish**
- Taste the stew and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or fennel fronds for a pop of color and added freshness.
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## **Serving Suggestions**
- Serve this **lima bean and fennel stew** warm with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.
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## **Why You’ll Love This Stew**
This **plant-based stew** is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Lima beans are a great source of protein and fiber, while fennel adds a unique, slightly sweet flavor. The addition of mixed grains makes this dish filling and satisfying, perfect for a **healthy dinner** or **meal prep**.
By following these steps, you’ll create a **flavorful lima bean and fennel stew** that’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!
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**Keywords**: lima bean and fennel stew, healthy vegan stew, plant-based stew, lima bean recipe, fennel stew, beans and grains recipe, nutritious dinner ideas, vegan meal prep.
**Meta Description**: Learn how to make a delicious lima bean and fennel stew with beans and grains. This healthy, plant-based recipe is perfect for a nutritious dinner or meal prep. Follow our step-by-step guide!