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Classic Succotash Recipe

Photo Credit
Brent Hofacker/Shutterstock
Yield
6 to 8 servings
Category
Vegetables
Course
Side Dishes
Preparation Method
Cook
Sources
Yankee Magazine's Lost and Vintage Recipes

Classic Succotash Recipe
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Succotash is a truly vintage dish introduced to us by Native Americans. The traditional dish includes corn, lima beans or butter beans, and pork. Rich in nutrients and inexpensive to make, it was especially popular during the Depression and World War II.

Cranberry beans are closest to the type of bean that would have originally been used in this dish by Native Americans, but fresh or frozen lima beans or butter beans are common today. The added heavy cream at the end is optional. If you’re using the butter beans, a nice variation for a light sauce is a mix of the butter bean liquid and lemon juice. 

You can also add other ingredients to your succotash. Today, it’s common to add fresh tomatoes (regular or cherry) for added color and sweetness. Bacon can also be substituted for pork. Or, go vegetarian but you’ll need to add a tablespoon or two of olive oil in place of the pork.

See more historically-inspired dishes including roast goose, roasted stuffed pheasants, and chestnut croquettes.

Ingredients
6 ears corn
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
3 pounds cranberry beans, lima beans, or butter beans (cooked, canned, or frozen)
1/2 small onion, finely diced
2 teaspoons sugar
Optional: 1/8 pound salt pork, cut into 4 pieces
Optional: 1/4 cup heavy cream
Optional: salt and pepper to taste
Instructions

Use a sharp knife to cut kernels from cobs and set kernels aside.

In a pan over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Add beans, onions, and salt pork (if using) and cook, stirring frequently, for 10 minutes or until onion is golden.

Stir in corn and add enough water to cover by 1/2 inch. Add sugar and remaining 3 tablespoons of butter. Bring to a gentle bubble and cook, uncovered, for 10 minutes.

Remove salt pork and season with salt and pepper.  

Add cream (if using) and serve hot.

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Comments

Jamie E. (not verified)

6 months ago

I grew up eating succotash with hamburger, lima beans, and corn. I make it with any kind of ground meat now (depends on what I have in the freezer), corn, lima beans, onions, garlic, sometimes I'll add green beans too. I've never put cream in it, but butter sometimes. It's good no matter what I put in it. One of my favorite dishes! I will now try it with tomatoes to see if I like it that way. :)

Marlene Dumont (not verified)

6 months ago

I'm of Scottish/English decent, and married to an Indigenous man. Our variety of this dish in both cultures was just corn and lima beans thickened with a little butter & corn starch. However...I tried it with bacon and cream. Delicious.

Florence (not verified)

6 months 2 weeks ago

I live in Pa. dutch area & have never heard of pork in succotash. Our's is lima bean's & corn.

You're absolutely right. I grew up in Audubon and there was never any pork or bacon.