Step 1

Pick over lima beans removing broken or damaged beans.

Step 2

Rinse with cool water. Cover with 2 inches or more water and soak for 48 hours, changing the water at least twice a day and rinsing the beans thoroughly. The last soaking water should have 1 Tablespoon of salt added to the water.

Step 3

Drain and rinse beans and put in large covered pot. Cook over high heat for 15 minutes.

Step 4

Skim and lower heat. Cook over low heat, checking tenderness of beans after 20 minutes, stirring beans well, then each 10 minutes and stirring beans well.

Step 5

When beans are tender but still hold their shape, add fresh or frozen green beans and cook just until green beans are hot.

Step 6

Stir in butter and add desired amount of sugar. Beans should not taste sweet like baked beans.

Step 7

Add salt to taste. I rarely add the butter and never add the sugar and this still tastes wonderful.