Fig. 1 Traditional Succotash Image Source: Succotash

A traditional succotash is a simple, uncomplicated budget friendly meal that can be put together in next to no time flat. It is its value as a side dish and/or main course accompaniment that have become the most popular ways of serving this today.

Ingredients

• 200 Grams (approximately 7 Ounces) of Bacon
• 1 Red Onion
• 1 Clove of Garlic
• 2 Cups of Cherry Tomatoes
• 1½ Cups (approximately 300 Grams, 10 Ounces) each of Fresh Lima Beans and Fresh Sweet Corn Kernels (it’s OK to substitute the frozen varieties if you don’t have the fresh versions to hand)
• ½ Cup of Walnuts
• 2 Tablespoons of Unsalted Butter
• Freshly Ground Sea Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper

Note: Because both the sea salt and the black pepper are to be used as seasoning and the exact quantities of each are not fixed, a multitude of possible customizations and variations of this recipe do exist. For example kidney beans are often substituted for the more traditional lima beans.

Fig. 2 Succotash Made With Kidney Beans. Image Source: Succotash

Note: Modifications should be made on a per instance basis. Always bear in mind that you are only limited by your imagination, personal taste and maybe even the whims, follies and/or palates of all other diners partaking in the meal.

Method:

1. Preheat your wok, non-stick fry-pan or cast iron fry pan over a medium heat
2. If required chop the walnuts
3. Wash and cut the cherry tomatoes into halves putting them into a suitably sized bowl as you go. Once done set the bowl with the tomatoes temporarily to one side (we will get back to them a little later). You might even consider covering the bowl containing the tomatoes with a slightly damp cloth/tea towel to prevent them from drying out.

Fig.3 Cherries Tomatoes Image Source: Cherry Tomato

1. Next up; peel and dice both the garlic and the onion placing them into another suitably sized bowl. Then dice the bacon and add it to the bowl containing the diced garlic and onion.

Fig. 4 Sow and Piglet Image Source: Growing Bacon

1. Sauté Onions and Bacon – With your wok/fry pan up to temperature melt the butter then add all of the diced garlic, onion and diced bacon. Sauté the onions and the bacon until the onions become soft (for around 5 minutes). Remember to stir continuously as you do so.
2. Add the Tomatoes – Add the halved tomatoes and continue cooking until the tomatoes become soft (approximately 5 minutes)

Fig. 5 Lima Beans Image Source: Lima Bean

1. Add Lima Beans and Sweet Corn – Add the lima beans and corn. Simmer until they become tender (around 5 minutes)

Fig. 6 Corn/Maize Species Image Source: Maize

1. Seasoning – Season to taste with sea salt and black pepper
2. Walnuts – Finally top the mixture off by sprinkling in the crushed walnuts

Serving:

These portions will yield 8 adult-sized servings. Succotash is always best served hot. Adding a few dollops of butter immediately prior to serving always adds that little indefinable something that differentiates between a good dish and the truly great in every aspect wonder dish.

Fig. 7 Blue Ribbon Image Source: Blue Ribbon

Whatever variations you decide to go with enjoy!