Lima Beans with Wild Mushrooms and Chard
Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 16 Jan 2026
Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines
- DownloadDownload
- Share
- Language
- Discussion
This hearty vegan lima bean stew combines creamy legumes with the deep, earthy profile of assorted wild mushrooms. It is a wonderfully rustic dish that relies on pantry staples and fresh greens to create a satisfying, plant-based meal. The slow-simmered beans absorb the savoury liquor from the dried mushrooms, while a hint of dried chilli and thyme provides a gentle, warming background heat that develops beautifully during the cooking process.
High in fibre and naturally protein-rich, this one-pot recipe is an excellent choice for a healthy midweek dinner or a nutritious batch-cook project. The Swiss chard adds a vibrant colour and a slight mineral bite that balances the richness of the beans. Serve it in deep bowls with a slice of crusty sourdough bread to soak up the flavourful broth.
In this article:
Continue reading below
Ingredients for Lima Beans with Wild Mushrooms and Chard
450g dried lima beans
3 1 1/60g packages assorted dried wild mushrooms
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, chopped
1/4 teaspoons dried crushed red pepper
1/4 teaspoons dried thyme
1450ml (lightly packed) sliced stemmed Swiss chard
How to make Lima Beans with Wild Mushrooms and Chard
Place lima beans in large bowl with enough water to cover by 5 inches. Soak overnight.
Bring 475ml water and dried mushrooms to boil in small saucepan. Using slotted spoon, transfer mushrooms to medium bowl; reserve liquid in saucepan.
Heat oil in heavy large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté until onion is tender, 10 minutes. Drain beans; add to pot. Pour in mushroom liquid, leaving sediment behind. Add 1450ml water. Bring to simmer; skim foam from top. Stir in red pepper and thyme. Simmer partially covered until beans are tender, 45 minutes. Season with salt. Chop mushrooms; add to pot. Simmer uncovered over medium heat until beans and mushrooms are very tender, stirring occasionally and adding water to thin as needed, about 15 minutes longer. DO AHEAD: Can be made 3 days ahead. Cool, then cover and chill. Rewarm beans before continuing.
Add chard to beans. Cover pot; cook until chard is tender, stirring often, about 8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Disclaimer
While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.
Article history
The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.
16 Jan 2026 | Originally published
Authored by:
UK recipe editors
Peer reviewed by
UK recipe editors

Ask, share, connect.
Browse discussions, ask questions, and share experiences across hundreds of health topics.

Feeling unwell?
Assess your symptoms online for free
Sign up to the Patient newsletter
Your weekly dose of clear, trustworthy health advice - written to help you feel informed, confident and in control.
By subscribing you accept our Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. We never sell your data.