Summer Succotash
Summer Succotash is a vibrant and hearty vegetable dish combining sweet corn, tender lima beans, crispy bacon, and flavorful tomatoes. Perfect for warm-weather gatherings, it offers a delightful mix of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors that appeal to both vegetarians and meat-lovers alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the fresh corn and frozen lima beans in a small amount of boiling water for 12 minutes or until tender; drain and set aside.
- Cook bacon in a large skillet until crisp; remove bacon, reserving drippings in the skillet.
- Crumble the cooked bacon and set aside.
- Saute chopped onion in the bacon drippings until tender; remove onion and set aside.
- Add flour to the bacon drippings, stirring until smooth, and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Add the undrained tomatoes and the cooked corn and lima beans to the skillet.
- Heat through, then serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing some garlic along with the onions. If fresh corn isn't available, you can use frozen corn as a substitute. You can also swap lima beans with green peas or any other fresh beans you have on hand. To make it vegetarian, omit the bacon and use olive oil for sautéing.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this summer succotash as a side dish to grilled meats or alongside a fresh salad. It pairs beautifully with Baked Beans With Green Pepper And Carrots for a hearty meal. Feel free to top it with crumbled feta or fresh herbs for an extra burst of flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems dry. Stir occasionally until heated through. It can also be microwaved in a microwave-safe dish, covered loosely.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Summer Succotash contains roughly 291 calories, with 11g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (33% of the Daily Value) and protein (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned corn instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute canned corn for fresh. Use about 1 cup of drained canned corn. However, fresh corn gives a sweeter, crunchier texture that enhances the dish. If using canned, reduce cooking time slightly to prevent it from becoming mushy.
Is there a way to make this dish spicy?
Absolutely! You can add diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the onions. Adjust the amount according to your spice preference. A dash of hot sauce before serving can also give it that extra kick for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
How can I make this dish vegan?
To make this succotash vegan, simply omit the bacon and replace it with olive oil for sautéing. You can also enhance the umami flavor by adding smoked paprika or liquid smoke. This maintains a depth of flavor while keeping the dish plant-based.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).