Lima Bean Paella Recipe
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (preferably extra-virgin)
- 2 1/2 cups chopped red onions (about 2 medium)
- 1 ounce finely chopped smoked ham (scant 1/4 cup)
- 4 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme or 1 1/2 tablespoons dried
- 3 large bay leaves
- 8 ounces skinless boneless chicken thighs, fat trimmed, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3 cups frozen baby lima beans (about 1 pound)
- 1 16-ounce can Italian-style tomatoes, cut into pieces, juices reserved
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 1/2 cups chopped red onions, 1 ounce finely chopped smoked ham, 3 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme and bay leaves and sauté until onions are tender and golden, about 8 minutes. Add chicken pieces, 3 cups baby lima beans, Italian-style tomatoes with their juices and minced garlic cloves and bring mixture to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer until chicken pieces are cooked through and lima beans are tender, about 25 minutes. Discard bay leaves. Season mixture to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer paella to large serving bowl. Sprinkle with remaining 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme and serve.
