Cooking the lima beans with mint, chiles and sun-dried tomatoes infuses them with flavor. A bit of prosciutto, crunchy lettuce and a tangy sherry vinaigrette makes it a great dish to serve as part of a tapas spread.

Makes 8 servings, 1 cup each

ACTIVE TIME: 30 minutes

TOTAL TIME: 30 minutes

EASE OF PREPARATION: Easy

2 sprigs fresh mint, plus 3 tablespoons slivered leaves
2 dried red chiles
2 sun-dried tomatoes (not oil-packed)
Salt to taste
2 10-ounce packages frozen baby lima beans
1/4 cup sherry vinegar
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
Freshly ground pepper to taste
4 cups shredded romaine lettuce
2 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto, trimmed and cut into julienne strips
1/2 cup chopped scallions

1. Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Drop in mint sprigs, chiles and sun-dried tomatoes; season with salt. Add lima beans and cook until tender, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let the beans cool in the liquid.
2. Whisk together vinegar, oil and mustard in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Drain lima beans, discarding mint sprigs, chiles and tomatoes. Place beans in a large bowl. Just before serving, add lettuce, prosciutto, scallions and slivered mint. Drizzle with the dressing and toss to coat well. Taste and adjust seasonings. Serve at room temperature.

NUTRITION INFORMATION: Per serving: 164 calories; 6 g fat (1 g sat, 4 g mono); 6 mg cholesterol; 19 g carbohydrate; 8 g protein; 5 g fiber; 283 mg sodium; 407 mg potassium.
Nutrition Bonus: Vitamin A (36% daily value), Vitamin C (23% dv), Fiber (20% dv), Folate (15% dv).
1 Carbohydrate Serving
Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 very lean meat, 1 fat