Chesapeake Summer Succotash
Embrace the flavors of summer on the Eastern Shore of Maryland with this seasonal delight. A vibrant medley of freshly harvested corn and tender lima or fava beans are the stars of this dish, shining brightly without the need for any meat. Perfect as a side dish or light main, this succotash highlights the natural sweetness of the corn paired with the creaminess of the beans. Dressed simply with butter and a splash of lemon juice, it’s a wholesome taste of summer that brings the essence of the Chesapeake Bay right to your table.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Corn
2 ears (shucked and kernels removed)
Baby lima beans or fresh fava beans
1 cup (shelled and peeled)
Unsalted butter
3 tablespoons (softened)
Lemon
1/2 (juiced)
Fresh ground black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
Salt
to taste (for cooking water and finishing)
Instructions
1
In a saucepan, combine the shelled beans with enough water to cover them and add a pinch of salt.
2
Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pot. Cook the beans for about 12 to 18 minutes, or until they are just tender.
3
While the beans are cooking, shuck the fresh corn and use a sharp chef's knife to scrape the kernels off the cobs, ensuring you collect all the sweet, milky juice.
4
Once the beans are tender, add the corn kernels to the pot, stirring gently to combine. Continue to simmer for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
5
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the softened butter, fresh lemon juice, and ground black pepper. Adjust the seasoning with salt to taste.
6
Serve this delicious summer succotash immediately while it's warm, allowing the vibrant flavors to shine through.
7
Savor the essence of summer from the sunny shores of the Chesapeake.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chesapeake Summer Succotash?
Chesapeake Summer Succotash is a vibrant medley of freshly harvested corn and tender lima or fava beans, inspired by the seasonal flavors of the Eastern Shore of Maryland.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it features a meat-free combination of vegetables and butter.
What are the primary ingredients in this dish?
The main ingredients include fresh corn, baby lima or fava beans, unsalted butter, lemon juice, salt, and fresh ground black pepper.
How many ears of corn are needed?
The recipe calls for 2 ears of fresh corn.
What types of beans can I use?
You can use either 1 cup of baby lima beans or fresh fava beans.
How long should I cook the beans?
The beans should be boiled and then simmered for about 12 to 18 minutes until they are just tender.
How should I prepare the corn?
The corn should be shucked, and then the kernels should be scraped off the cobs using a sharp chef's knife.
Is it important to keep the corn juice?
Yes, you should ensure you collect all the sweet, milky juice from the cob while scraping the kernels.
How long does the corn need to cook?
Once added to the beans, the corn should simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
What kind of butter is recommended?
The recipe specifies 3 tablespoons of softened unsalted butter.
How much lemon juice is used?
The juice of 1/2 a lemon is used to dress the succotash.
Should this be served hot or cold?
It is recommended to serve this delicious summer succotash immediately while it is warm.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
While the recipe emphasizes fresh summer harvests, you could use frozen, though fresh corn provides the essential milky juice.
Is this dish a side or a main?
This succotash is perfect as a side dish or can be served as a light main course.
How do I season the succotash?
Season with ground black pepper and adjust the salt to your personal taste after adding the butter and lemon.
What is the preparation for the beans?
The beans should be shelled and peeled before cooking.
How much water should I use to cook the beans?
Use enough water to cover the beans in the saucepan.
What is the significance of the Eastern Shore in this recipe?
The Eastern Shore of Maryland is known for its summer harvests of corn and beans, which this dish celebrates.
Can I use fava beans if I don't have lima beans?
Yes, fresh fava beans are an excellent substitute for baby lima beans in this recipe.
Is the butter melted before adding?
The butter should be softened so it stirs easily into the warm vegetables.
Does this recipe contain cholesterol?
The recipe contains butter, which does have a small amount of cholesterol, but specific nutritional values are not listed.
How many total ingredients are there?
The recipe consists of 6 simple ingredients.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to combine the shelled beans with water and a pinch of salt in a saucepan.
When do I add the corn kernels?
Add the corn kernels to the pot once the beans have become tender after their initial simmer.
Can I add meat to this recipe?
While traditionally succotash can include meat, this version is designed to shine brightly without it.
How many servings does this make?
The serving size is not specified, but with 2 ears of corn and 1 cup of beans, it typically serves 2-4 people as a side.
What is the final step?
The final step is to savor the essence of summer from the sunny shores of the Chesapeake.
Do I boil the corn?
The corn is simmered with the already cooked beans for 10 minutes rather than being boiled separately.
Is this a gluten-free dish?
Yes, all the ingredients listed (corn, beans, butter, lemon, salt, pepper) are naturally gluten-free.
Can I prepare this in advance?
It is best served immediately to enjoy the vibrant fresh flavors, but it can be reheated gently.