Ingredients

　　3 cups diced cooked ham (not sugar-cured)

　　1 large yellow onion, chopped

　　1 clove garlic, chopped

　　1 pound dried lima beans, rinsed and picked over

　　1 1/2 quarts (6 cups) water

　　2 large bay leaves

　　Salt and ground black pepper to taste

　　Brown the ham in a 3-quart nonstick saucepan over medium-high heat, about 4 minutes. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the beans, stirring to coat. Add the water and bay leaves, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until slightly tender, about 45 minutes. Remove and discard the bay leaves. Season with salt and pepper.

　　Cooks' Note

　　Lima beans were named for the capital city of Peru. Limas are unusually high in fiber, containing 6.9 grams per 1⁄2 cup serving. They are also a good source of vegetable protein.

　　Sugar Busters! Quick & Easy Cookbook