Lima beans and corn, cooked, fat added
Common food
Photo: Wikipedia
This classic side dish features tender, buttery lima beans and sweet, golden corn kernels, creating a comforting medley of creamy and snappy textures. The dish is typically lightly seasoned, allowing the natural sweetness of the corn and the earthy, starchy depth of the lima beans to shine. Nutritionally, it's a solid source of plant-based protein and dietary fiber, making it a satisfying and wholesome addition to a meal.
Calorie split: 14% protein · 63% carbs · 23% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People love this combination for its simple, nostalgic comfort food appeal, evoking memories of family dinners and holiday tables. The pairing of sweet corn with creamy lima beans offers a delightful contrast in both flavor and mouthfeel, making it a versatile and crowd-pleasing side.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The added fat, often butter or oil, increases the calorie density, which those monitoring fat intake should note. Lima beans contain oligosaccharides, which can cause gas or bloating in some individuals; soaking the beans thoroughly before cooking can help reduce this effect. For those watching blood sugar, the carbohydrate content is significant; pairing this dish with a lean protein or non-starchy vegetable can help balance the meal.
Key benefits
- Good source of plant-based protein
- High in dietary fiber for digestive health
- Provides complex carbohydrates for sustained energy
- Contains essential minerals like magnesium and potassium
- Low in saturated fat
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The dish is a cornerstone of Succotash, a name derived from the Narragansett word 'msíckquatash,' which referred to a boiled corn kernel dish.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 72.9 g |
| Energy | 112 kcal |
| Protein | 4.2 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 3.0 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 18.7 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 3.7 g |
| Total Sugars | 2.1 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 16.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 1.1 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 34.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 85.0 mg |
| Potassium, K | 260 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 155 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.66 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.11 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 0.60 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 7.9 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.05 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.06 mg |
| Niacin | 1.2 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.12 mg |
| Folate, total | 27.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 27.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 27.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 28.4 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 21.0 ug |
| Retinol | 11.0 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 84.0 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 8.0 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 59.0 ug |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 331 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.56 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 4.7 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 0.75 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.02 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.02 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.02 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.06 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 0.44 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.14 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 1.0 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.01 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 0.97 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.01 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 0.96 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 0.85 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.11 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 2.0 mg |
Amino acid profile (per 100g)
Estimated from Lima beans, immature seeds, raw — USDA does not publish this profile for Lima beans and corn.
| Tryptophan | 0.09 g |
| Threonine | 0.29 g |
| Isoleucine | 0.44 g |
| Leucine | 0.54 g |
| Lysine | 0.45 g |
| Methionine | 0.07 g |
| Cystine | 0.08 g |
| Phenylalanine | 0.34 g |
| Tyrosine | 0.22 g |
| Valine | 0.43 g |
| Arginine | 0.46 g |
| Histidine | 0.23 g |
| Alanine | 0.26 g |
| Aspartic acid | 0.73 g |
| Glutamic acid | 0.88 g |
| Glycine | 0.27 g |
| Proline | 0.10 g |
| Serine | 0.43 g |
FAQ
Are lima beans and corn a complete protein?
No, they are not a complete protein on their own. While they provide a good amount of protein, they are low in the essential amino acid methionine. Combining them with a grain like rice or a meat source creates a complete protein profile.
Can I use frozen or canned vegetables for this dish?
Yes, both frozen and canned lima beans and corn work well. If using canned, rinse them thoroughly to reduce sodium content. Frozen vegetables often retain nutrients well and are a convenient option.
Is this dish suitable for a low-carb diet?
This dish is not typically considered low-carb, as both corn and lima beans are significant sources of carbohydrates. A standard serving contains around 18-20 grams of carbs.
Nutrient density (calculated · NRF9.3)
Nutrient Rich Foods index: beneficial nutrients (protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals) minus saturated fat, added sugar & sodium, per 100 kcal.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Weight-loss friendliness (composite index)
Energy density 1.12 kcal/g · 15% calories from protein · 3.7 g fiber · 2.1 g sugar per 100 g.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.
Dietary load (calculated from USDA values)
Potential renal acid load. Positive = acid-forming, negative = alkaline-forming.
Sodium-to-potassium ratio: 0.60 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.