BAKED LIMA BUTTER BEANS

BAKED LIMA BUTTER BEANS
This dish is inexpensive and great for high protein meatless meals.

1 pound dried Greek giant bean or lima beans
¼ cup olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
2 medium carrots, sliced
3 large tomatoes, peeled and chopped with the juice
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon sugar
salt and pepper
2 tablespoons fresh flat parsley, finely chopped

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Wash the beans well; discard any little stones. Soak in water overnight. Drain; put the beans into a large pan and cover with water. Bring to a boil and let them boil for 1 hour. Remove from the heat and drain again. Heat the oil in a saucepan and add the onions, garlic, and carrots; sauté for 5 minutes. Add tomatoes, tomato paste, 1 cup water, sugar, salt and pepper, and parsley. Cover and let simmer for 20 minutes. Place the drained beans into a baking pan and pour in tomato sauce and mix all evenly. Add 1 cup water and bake for about 45 minutes to 1 hour or until they are tender and all of the liquid has been absorbed. Remove from the oven; let stand 10 minutes before serving hot or refrigerating to serve cold.

Serves 6.