Succotash is a delightful, colorful dish that brings together the vibrant flavors of corn, lima beans, and bell peppers. Perfectly balancing sweet and savory, this traditional recipe is a celebration of fresh produce and simple cooking.
Corn kernels bring sweetness and a bit of crunch, making them the star of this dish. Use fresh if they're in season, or frozen for convenience. Lima beans add creaminess and protein, helping to make the dish more filling. Bell pepper contributes a mild sweetness and color, brightening up the succotash. Onion provides a savory base, enhancing the overall flavor. Butter adds richness; if you're vegan, swap it for more olive oil. Olive oil helps to sauté our veggies, giving them a lovely texture. Garlic infuses the dish with aromatic depth. Cherry tomatoes add juiciness and a slight tartness, rounding out the flavors. Finally, a sprinkle of fresh parsley offers a refreshing finish.
Succotash pairs beautifully with grilled meats like chicken or steak, making it a perfect summer side. For a lighter meal, serve it as a topping for grilled polenta or alongside a fresh, leafy salad. It also complements seafood well, especially grilled or baked fish.
Start by heating your olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter has melted and started to sizzle, toss in the diced onion and bell pepper. Cook these for about 3 to 4 minutes; you want them to start softening but not browning.
Next, stir in the minced garlic. Let it cook for just a minute until it becomes fragrant—be careful not to let it burn. Now, add the corn kernels and lima beans. Stir everything well so the vegetables are nicely coated in the oil and butter.
Let this mixture cook for about 7 to 10 minutes. You'll know it's ready when the vegetables are tender but still have a bit of bite. Stir in the cherry tomatoes, seasoning the mix with salt and pepper to your taste. Let this cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, just until the tomatoes begin to soften.
Finally, take the skillet off the heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley right before serving. This adds a burst of color and a hint of fresh flavor, making your succotash look as vibrant as it tastes.