Lima beans substitutes
Lima beans substitutes — 5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Fava beans
Same amount as the lima beans
Similar large, flat beans with mild, buttery flavor and creamy texture.
The best substitutes for lima beans are fava beans, edamame, or broad beans.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- soups
Updated 19 Aug 2026 · no sponsored swaps
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of lima beans | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fava beanssoups | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 2 | Edamamesoups | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Broad beanssoups | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 4 | Cannellini beanssoups | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 5 | Butter beanssoups | Same amountWorks | Works |
Fava beans
similar taste and texture
Similar large, flat beans with mild, buttery flavor and creamy texture.
- Best for
- soups, stews, salads, casseroles
Very similar to lima beans in flavor and texture.
Edamame
similar taste, different texture
Young soybeans with similar mild flavor and creamy texture.
- Best for
- soups, stews, salads, casseroles
Similar mild flavor but different texture and size.
Broad beans
similar taste and texture
Similar large, flat beans with mild, buttery flavor and creamy texture.
- Best for
- soups, stews, salads, casseroles
Very similar to lima beans in flavor and texture.
Cannellini beans
similar taste and texture
Large white beans with mild, nutty flavor and creamy texture.
- Best for
- soups, stews, pasta, salads
Larger size but similar mild flavor and creamy texture.
Butter beans
similar taste and texture
Large, flat beans with mild, buttery flavor and creamy texture.
- Best for
- soups, stews, salads, casseroles
Very similar to lima beans in flavor and texture.
Questions
4 questionsCan I use fava beans instead of lima beans?
Yes, fava beans are an excellent substitute for lima beans. They have a very similar mild, buttery flavor and creamy texture, making them good for the same applications.
What's the difference between lima beans and edamame?
Lima beans are large, flat beans with a mild, buttery flavor and creamy texture, while edamame are young soybeans with a similar mild flavor but different texture and size. Both work well in similar applications.
Can I make lima beans at home?
Yes, you can make lima beans at home by soaking and cooking dried lima beans. However, this process can be time-consuming and requires careful handling to avoid damaging the beans.
How long do lima beans take to cook?
Fresh lima beans typically take 15-20 minutes to cook after shelling and peeling. If you're using dried lima beans, they may take 1-2 hours to cook after soaking overnight.
Tips for substituting lima beans
7 tips- Lima beans should be soaked overnight before cooking for best texture
- Canned lima beans are convenient and can be used directly in recipes
- Lima beans pair well with herbs, garlic, and olive oil
- For salads, lima beans add protein and texture
- Lima beans can be used in both sweet and savory applications
- Add lima beans gradually to avoid overpowering other flavors
- Lima beans work well in soups, stews, and casseroles