To pre cook your Lima beans, soak over night, then cook in enough water to reach one inch above the beans, toss a bay leaf in while their cooking. Add some salt at the end after they are soft about 20 minutes. Don’t overcook.
In a large soup pot heat oil, add garlic and cook gently for a few minutes. Next add the onions, celery + carrots + cook slowly covered for 20 minutes.Next add Lima beans and simmer another 20 to 25 minutes Season with Salt + Pepper. Sprinkle with some fresh herbs if you like and Finish off with olive oil and lemon zest. Or jazz it up with some hot sauce.