SIMPLi Featured in Martha Stewart: Why Butter Beans Are Making a Well-

For years, butter beans were overlooked as an old-fashioned pantry staple — the kind of ingredient many people associated with comfort food from another generation. Now, they’re having a renaissance. We’re proud that SIMPLi was recently featured in Martha Stewart’s article exploring the growing popularity of butter beans and why this creamy, versatile legume is finding its way back into modern kitchens.

As more consumers look for nutrient-dense, plant-based staples that are both practical and deeply satisfying, butter beans are proving they were never outdated to begin with.

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What Exactly Are Butter Beans?

The article explains that butter beans are actually mature lima beans — specifically the larger white varieties known for their rich, velvety texture.

At SIMPLi, co-founder and CEO Sarela Herrada describes “butter bean” as a regional culinary term most commonly used in the South for mature white lima beans “because they cook up so creamy that they earn the butter nickname.”

While “lima bean” is often used interchangeably, the article notes that terminology can vary based on geography, harvest stage, and culinary tradition.

What remains consistent is their appeal: a mild, subtly sweet flavor with a dense, creamy texture that makes them incredibly versatile in cooking.

Why People Are Rediscovering Butter Beans

Part of the renewed interest in butter beans comes from a broader shift happening in the way people think about food.

Consumers are moving away from ultra-processed convenience products and reconnecting with simple, whole-food ingredients that offer both nourishment and comfort. Butter beans check every box: high in plant-based protein and fiber, versatile across meals, affordable, and deeply satisfying.

The Martha Stewart feature also highlights how social media creators have helped introduce butter beans to a new generation of home cooks who are discovering just how adaptable they can be.

From brothy beans simmered with olive oil and herbs to purees, stews, braises, and dips, butter beans bring richness and depth to everyday meals without requiring complicated preparation.

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Why Cooking Method Matters

The article dives into the best ways to prepare butter beans, particularly dried varieties.

Herrada explains that when soaked and cooked gently, dried butter beans develop “a deeper flavor and creamier interior.”

She also emphasizes the importance of slow simmering over aggressive boiling. Gentle cooking helps the beans become velvety and rich — “like butter, even before you add any fat.”

That attention to preparation mirrors something we believe deeply at SIMPLi: good food isn’t rushed.

Whether it’s how ingredients are grown or how they’re cooked, thoughtful processes create better outcomes.

Better Beans Begin With Better Soil

At SIMPLi, we partner directly with regenerative organic farmers who prioritize biodiversity, soil health, and long-term ecological resilience. Because the quality of a bean starts long before it reaches the pot. Food grown in healthier soil develops stronger flavor, more reliable cooking performance, and the kind of nourishment families can genuinely feel good about.

The Return of Real Pantry Staples

Butter beans may be trending again, but their staying power comes from something much deeper than internet attention. They represent the kind of food people are craving more of right now: simple, grounding, versatile ingredients that nourish without overcomplicating things. And we’re honored to be part of that conversation alongside Martha Stewart.