Lima Bean Vegan Sausage

This Lima Bean Vegan Sausage is an excellent addition to your breakfast or brunch rotation. Enjoy these juicy, firm, and flavorful vegan sausage patties packed with wholesome ingredients done in just 25 minutes. It's quick, easy, and so much healthier than animal-based meat sausages!

Easy Homemade Vegan Sausage

There was a time when vegan meat was not something one could easily find and buy. And even today, while they are more accessible in most groceries or supermarkets, they can be a bit pricey. So it is always best to have a reliable plant-based meat recipe on hand! This homemade Lima Bean Vegan Sausage recipe may be an old-fashioned way of making faux sausage, but it sure is tried and tested! They are a budget-friendly, delicious, low-carb take on a classic breakfast dish. So if you are looking for new ways to enjoy a vegan dish with a rich 'meaty' taste or are simply veg-curious, this recipe is perfect for you!

These perfectly-spiced vegan sausages are made of protein-rich lima beans, also known as butter beans, which have a mild taste and creamy texture. Mixed with sage and rosemary, the patties develop an earthy, savory, and aromatic mix of exquisite flavors. It is super easy to make too! All you need to do is blend, simmer, shape, and fry - no fussy steps or fancy equipment needed at all. These vegan sausages are great for making ahead too. They can be made the day before or left in the fridge for a few hours before cooking. Double the recipe and put them in the freezer. You will have these yummy plant-based sausages ready to be cooked every morning!

Healthier than the Classic!

Lima beans are one of the most nutritious legumes there. They are packed with protein, fiber, nutrients, and vitamins! They help aid in stabilizing blood sugar levels and support heart health too!

I, too, was skeptical – sausage?  Made from lima beans? But honestly, we urge you to give it a try!  You won't even taste the lima beans - just pure plant-based sausage goodness! It is a great way to make your family eat healthier and make your breakfast stress-free too.

Lima Bean Vegan Sausage Ingredients Needed

• Lima beans - We used thawed frozen beans in this recipe. Unlike dry and fresh beans, frozen beans are usually pre-cooked, so no soaking or other preparation is required.
• Vegetable broth – Use a low-sodium brand for a healthier vegan sausage.
• Dried sage – This herb will add an earthy, slightly peppery, and minty flavor to the patties.
• Dried rosemary leaves – This aromatic herb has a robust and distinct lemon-pine flavor.
• Salt and Pepper - To taste.
• Cornmeal – This will be used to make the patties thicker and bind all the ingredients together.
• Neutral oil – Vegetable oil, canola oil, grapeseed oil are great options for this recipe.

How to Make Lima Bean Vegan Sausage

1) Put the lima beans and vegetable broth in an immersion blender and pulse until roughly chopped.

2) Transfer the lima bean mixture to a medium pan. Then, add sage, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer.

3) Once the mixture is bubbling, add the cornmeal, and stir continuously until the mixture thickens. Set aside and let it cool.

4) Using ⅓ cup, scoop the mixture into your hands and form small balls. Flatten them into patties, then coat them with the remaining cornmeal.

5) Fry the patties for about 5 minutes on each side or until golden brown using medium heat. Serve while still warm.

Tips:

• You should still see chunky pieces after blending the beans. If you overdo it, the mixture will turn mushy, and it will be challenging to shape them later on.
• If the mixture is too watery after mixing, add some cornflour to thicken it a bit more until you get to the right consistency.
• Rub your hands with a bit of oil or water to make rolling the lima bean mixture easier and less sticky.
• Practice cooking a small portion of the mixture and taste to ensure you have the perfect amount of spices and seasonings. Make the necessary adjustments if needed.
• Add a dash of rep pepper flakes or chili powder to your vegan sausage mixture to add some kick!
• Layer a piece of wax or parchment paper between your patties individually to keep them from sticking together.

Storing Lima Bean Vegan Sausage

The lima bean mixture can be stored in plastic wrap or formed into patties with parchment paper between them. Store them in the fridge if you plan to cook them that day or the next day, otherwise freeze them for longer shelf life.

Store leftover cooked Lima Bean Vegan Sausages in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Warm the vegan sausages in the microwave on mid-power for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use dried lima beans instead?  Canned lima beans are always a convenient option and still taste great.  But if you do have the time to prepare and cook them, then why not!
2. Can I cook the Lima bean sausage patties on the grill? Although I love pan-frying them for a crunchy texture, the choice is yours. Depending on your preference, you can choose to have them grilled or baked too.
3. What's causing my vegan sausage patties to crumble? To help the mixture hold together, you may need to add extra cornmeal.  Be careful not to add too much, though, or it will become too dry.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve your Lima Bean Vegan Sausage with the following:

1. Breakfast won't be complete without pancakes. Vegan sausage and pancakes are a perfect combo!  You can choose your pancakes plain or if you opt for a savory and sweet breakfast, then check out these Easy Blueberry Pancakes or Banana Pancakes.
2. Just as tasty as pancakes, waffles are a fun and crunchy breakfast to have with your vegan sausage. Try these recipes: Vegan Pumpkin Waffles and Vegan Apple Cinnamon Waffles
3. An all-time favorite breakfast Our Favorite Tofu Scramble.  If you are all for a savory breakfast, this is a terrific way to serve your lima bean vegan sausage.

Photos by Alfonso Revilla