Succotash
A vibrant Southern classic, this succotash combines sweet corn, creamy lima beans, and crisp bell peppers, all brought together with smoky bacon. It's a perfect, hearty side dish for any summer meal, ready in under 30 minutes.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Cook the bacon until crisp.
- b.Place the chopped bacon in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- c.Cook, stirring occasionally, for 6-8 minutes, or until the bacon is browned and crisp.
- d.Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Leave about 2 tablespoons of the rendered bacon fat in the skillet.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté the aromatics.
- b.Add the chopped yellow onion and diced red bell pepper to the hot bacon fat in the skillet.
- c.Sauté for 5-6 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables have softened.
- d.Add the minced garlic and chopped fresh thyme, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Simmer the vegetables.
- b.Stir in the corn kernels and lima beans. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring to coat the vegetables in the fat.
- c.Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Season with salt and black pepper.
- d.Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the liquid has slightly thickened.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Finish and serve.
- b.Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the unsalted butter until it has completely melted.
- c.Return the crispy bacon to the skillet and stir to combine.
- d.Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best flavor, use fresh, in-season corn and lima beans if available.
- 2Don't discard all the bacon fat; it's the foundation of the dish's smoky, savory flavor.
- 3For a brighter finish, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving.
- 4If using frozen vegetables, you can add them directly to the skillet without thawing; just increase the simmering time by a few minutes.
- 5To make this dish vegetarian, omit the bacon and sauté the vegetables in 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter. Add 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
- 6Feel free to add other summer vegetables like diced zucchini, yellow squash, or okra along with the corn and lima beans.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Omit the bacon and use 2 tablespoons of olive oil for sautéing. Add 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika with the salt and pepper to mimic the smoky flavor.
SpicySpicy
Add 1 finely chopped jalapeño pepper along with the onion and bell pepper for a kick of heat.
Cajun StyleCajun-Style
Incorporate 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning blend when you add the salt and pepper for a Louisiana-inspired twist.
HerbaceousHerbaceous
Stir in 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh basil or chives along with the parsley at the end for a more complex herb flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Dietary Fiber
Corn and lima beans are excellent sources of dietary fiber, which is crucial for digestive health, promoting satiety, and helping to maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Source of Plant-Based Protein
Lima beans provide a significant amount of plant-based protein, an essential macronutrient for building and repairing tissues, including muscle.
Packed with Vitamins and Minerals
This dish is rich in various micronutrients. Red bell peppers offer a high dose of Vitamin C for immune support, while corn and beans provide B vitamins, potassium, and magnesium.
Frequently asked questions
Succotash can be a healthy dish as it's packed with fiber, vitamins, and plant-based protein from the corn, lima beans, and peppers. However, this traditional version includes bacon, heavy cream, and butter, which add significant saturated fat and calories. For a healthier version, consider the vegetarian variation using olive oil.