First, I’ll take 1 cup of dry lima beans and soak them overnight in cold water. This helps to soften them and reduce the cooking time.

After soaking, I’ll drain and rinse the lima beans thoroughly. Then, I’ll cook them in a pot with enough water to cover until they’re tender, which usually takes about 1 1/2 hours.

Once the lima beans are tender, I’ll drain them and then mash them using a fork or a potato masher until they’re smooth and creamy.

In a saucepan, I’ll melt 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat. Then, I’ll add 1 small chopped onion and sauté it for about 3 minutes until it becomes fragrant and translucent.

To the saucepan, I’ll add 1 cup of sliced celery and cover it, allowing it to cook until tender.

Now, I’ll sprinkle in 1/3 cup of flour and stir it into the vegetable mixture. I’ll cook it for about 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.

Gradually, I’ll pour in 1 cup of milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps, until the mixture thickens into a creamy sauce.

Once the sauce has thickened, I’ll remove the saucepan from the heat and quickly stir in 1 beaten egg, ensuring it’s well incorporated.

Now, I’ll add in the remaining ingredients: 1 cup of soft whole wheat bread crumbs, 1 1/2 cups of chopped carrots, 1/4 cup of chopped peanuts, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon of oregano, and 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder. I’ll mix everything together until evenly combined.

I’ll preheat my oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease an 8 x 4 inch loaf pan. Then, I’ll spoon the mixture into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly.

Into the oven it goes for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the loaf is set and golden brown on top.

Once the loaf is cooked through, I’ll arrange slices of American cheese over the top and return it to the oven. I’ll bake it for a few more minutes until the cheese melts and forms a deliciously gooey topping.

Finally, I’ll remove the lima bean loaf from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing and serving. It’s a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any meal!