Soaking The Beans: Begin by soaking the Christmas Lima Beans overnight in cold water. This step is crucial as it helps reduce cooking time and makes the beans more digestible.

Sautéing The Aromatics: Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large pot. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they turn translucent and emit a fragrant aroma.

Adding The Beans And Spices: Drain and rinse the soaked beans, adding them to the pot. Stir in the red bell pepper, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Adjust the amount of salt and pepper to suit your taste.

Cooking The Beans: Pour the vegetable broth, submerging the beans completely. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours or until the beans are tender.

Final Touches: Once the beans are cooked, remove the bay leaf and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.