Description
Southern succotash brings classic comfort to summer tables with fresh corn and lima beans dancing together in a creamy, herb-kissed medley. Generations of home cooks have perfected this simple southern side dish you’ll crave at every seasonal gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Vegetables:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen lima beans (thawed if frozen)
- 2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
- ½ cup diced red bell pepper
- ½ cup diced onion
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ¼ cup chopped cherry tomatoes (optional, for freshness)
Seasonings and Herbs:
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil
Fats and Optional Additions:
- 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
- ¼ cup heavy cream (optional, for a creamier version)
- 2–3 slices cooked bacon, crumbled (optional)
Instructions
- Heat a spacious skillet over medium flame, allowing butter to melt and create a golden cooking surface for the aromatic vegetables.
- Gently introduce diced onions and vibrant bell peppers into the melted butter, allowing them to soften and release their delicate flavors through gentle sautéing for approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Incorporate lima beans and sweet corn kernels into the vegetable mixture, stirring periodically to ensure even cooking and preventing any potential burning.
- After 5-6 minutes, when the beans reach a tender consistency and the corn kernels become slightly caramelized, introduce minced garlic for an additional layer of depth.
- Sprinkle salt and freshly cracked black pepper throughout the skillet, ensuring an even distribution of seasonings that will enhance the overall taste profile.
- If desired, fold in chopped tomatoes or a splash of cream, which will create a luxurious texture and add complexity to the dish’s flavor composition.
- Allow the succotash to simmer for an additional 1-2 minutes, letting the ingredients meld together and develop a harmonious taste.
- Remove the skillet from heat, garnishing the colorful medley with freshly chopped herbs and crispy bacon crumbles for a delightful textural contrast.
- Serve the succotash immediately while warm, or allow it to cool to room temperature, making it a versatile side dish for various meals.
Notes
- Customize the vegetables by using seasonal or frozen options for convenience and variety.
- Swap butter with olive oil to create a lighter, dairy-free version of the dish.
- Add a protein punch by incorporating diced chicken or tofu for a more substantial meal.
- Balance flavors with a splash of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar to brighten the overall taste profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg