A combination of cranberry beans and corn kernels, succotash was one of the first foods that the Native Americans shared with the Plymouth settlers. 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, 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, such as tomatoes, red pepper, or bacon for color and flavor!

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