If you're looking for the ultimate healthy recipe, we've got the perfect one here for you. This one might not be a favorite with kids, but it's a great dish for when it's just you and your partner. You can also meal prep this and eat it for lunch throughout the week! However you choose to have this recipe, we're sure you'll love it- both for its taste and its health benefits.
Ingredients:
2 cups frozen lima beans
1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
1 cup fennel, cut in 4-oz strips
1/2 cup onion, chopped
1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
4 cups leaf spinach, washed thoroughly
1 Tablespoon distilled vinegar
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1 Tablespoon raw chives
Directions:
1. Steam or boil lima beans in unsalted water for about 10 minutes. Drain.
2. In skillet, sauté onions and fennel in oil.
3. Add beans and stock to onions and cover. Cook for 2 minutes.
4. Stir in spinach. Cover and cook until spinach has wilted, about 2 minutes.
5. Stir in vinegar and pepper. Cover and let stand for 30 seconds.
6. Sprinkle with chives and serve.
Yield: Makes 7 servings
Serving size: 1/2 cup
Each serving provides:
Calories: 93
Total fat: 2 g
Saturated fat: less than 1 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Sodium: 84 mg
Total fiber: 6 g
Protein: 5 g
Carbohydrates: 15 g
Potassium: 452 mg
Health Benefits of Lima Beans and Spinach
Both of these foods offer great health benefits that will help you live a healthier life. Many people want to know all they can about what they're putting in their body. If you're one of those people, read on to find out about the benefits this recipe can give you.
Lima beans are a great source of iron, copper, magnesium, and fiber. They're a fantastic source of manganese, an antioxidant that aids with metabolism. If you're looking to lose weight, a food that's high in manganese will help you out. The high level of copper in lima beans might sound concerning, but your body actually needs copper to function at its best! Copper is known to support immune function and brain health. Finally, studies have indicated that lima beans may help promote healthy blood sugar levels and heart health.
Spinach is a fantastic source of vitamins A, C, and K1. Vitamin C is necessary for ideal skin and immune function; if you're sick, eating spinach might be a good idea! Vitamin K1 is necessary for healthy blood clotting. Spinach is high in K1, making it a great source of this essential nutrient. Spinach is also high in folic acid, iron, and calcium. If you were to argue that it should be classified as a superfood, you'd have a lot of evidence to back you up!
Spinach is also high in insoluble fiber, which is necessary for a healthy gut. Studies have shown that eating a diet rich in insoluble fiber can help prevent constipation. Spinach also contains several other vitamins in lower quantities, such as vitamins B6, B9, and E, potassium, and magnesium.
By making this recipe, you're giving you and your family a fantastic dose of so many essential vitamins and minerals. This is truly one of the healthiest meals out there! Once you've tried this Lima Bean and Spinach recipe, check out the dozens of other healthy recipes we have on our site.
Do not take the content of this article as professional medical or nutritional advice. It's important to exercise due diligence when obtaining relevant information in matters pertaining to your health. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any medical decisions.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Olaf Speier/Shutterstock.com.