Sauteed Lima Beans and Green Beans with Caramelized Onions and Mushrooms

Do you ever get tired of the same ol' veggies cooked the same ol' ways? Yeah, me too. I've been making out weekly menus in an effort to save money. And, I'll be honest, it's kind of stressful. Every Sunday night I sit down with my menu board and...draw a complete blank. What should I cook for the next 6 nights?? I know there are new recipes I'd like to try, but what are they?? The pressure of planning my week of cooking totally does me in.

And, I panic.

Know the feeling?

Well, somehow steamed green beans ended up on my menu board. Again. For the 4th straight week.

But, then, as I opened my freezer to grab some meat, I spotted the lima beans. And, then as I grabbed my fresh green beans from the fridge, I spotted the onion. And, mushrooms. And, Ah-HA, an idea was sparked.

Sauteed Lima Beans and Green Beans with Caramelized Onions and Mushrooms.

Yum.

Have you ever caramelized an onion? This was my first attempt and I nailed it (she says, modestly). I got the tutorial from Simply Recipes, which was so helpful and included lots of pictures AND a time-lapsed video, y'all! See? I told you it was helpful.

Now, I have to tell you up front that this isn't really a quick dish for a busy weekday dinner (because of those darn onions. But, really- they make the dish). However, It could easily be prepped ahead of time for a last minute assembly. That's basically what I did.

Baby girl taking a nap= cooked the lima beans and blanched the green beans.

Baby girl happily independent in her exersaucer= caramelized those onions.

It's all in the prep, ya know?

So, here's the recipe:

1/2 pound of fresh green beans- ends trimmed, cut in half and blanched for ~3 minutes

3 Cups of frozen lima beans- cooked according to the package directions

3/4 of a large, white onion- caramelized in butter and olive oil (according to this tutorial)

2 gloves of garlic

1/4 Cup chicken stock

3/4 Cup Cremini mushrooms

Saute mushrooms and garlic in pan used for caramelizing onions. I left the butter and bits stuck to the bottom of the pan after I finished caramelizing. Add green beans and chicken stock. Saute until green beans are to desired softness. Add lima beans and onions and toss over low heat to warm through.

Serve immediately.

Rejoice in eating a new, colorful side dish.

Save the clean up for someone else.

You earned it.

I'm linked up with Permanent Posies today!