Succotash goes way back. In the 17th century, Native American cooks taught New England’s colonizers how to make a stew of local vegetables, including corn, beans, and squash. (The English name for the dish comes from msickquatash (or msiquatash), a Narragansett word meaning “corn simmered with other ingredients.” While those “three sisters” ingredients are the traditional base of this dish, succotash recipes have varied over time, and sometimes include a variety of different vegetables, such as zucchini, red bell pepper, tomatillos, and green beans.
This succotash recipe leans on some of the most commonly used veggies, including fresh corn kernels, lima beans, okra, and tomatoes. It also has some bacon, for heft (and to add a nice salty, savory flavor) and jalapeños, for kick. A touch of vinegar and some fresh basil give the whole thing an even more summery flavor. Succotash makes a fantastic side dish for pork chops or any kind of BBQ, and it’s also great as a meal all on its own, perhaps with some warm cornbread on the side.
This recipe was originally published in August 2004. For more of our favorite summer side dishes, head this way →
Recipe information
Total Time
35 minutes
Yield
Makes 8 servings
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
Cook bacon in a large skillet over moderate heat until crisp. Drain on paper towels, leaving fat in skillet.
Step 2
Add onion to skillet and cook over moderate heat, stirring, until softened. Add garlic and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Stir in corn, jalapeño, lima beans, okra, and tomatoes and cook, stirring, until vegetables are tender, about 7 minutes. Stir in vinegar, basil, and salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3
Serve succotash with bacon crumbled over.
Recipe notes
Back to topSee Related Recipes and Cooking Tips
31 Make-Ahead Salads You Can Prep Now and Eat Later
Perfect for easy desk lunches, picnics, and potlucks.23 Bean Salads for Meal Prep, Work Lunches, and More
Including a zucchini-cannellini Caesar, a vegetarian take on tuna salad, and a dressing made from hummus.46 Fresh Tomato Recipes to Make While Summer Is Hot
There’s no time like summertime for tomatoes. Here’s how to make the most of it.31 Delicious Side Dishes for Your Chicken Dinner
You’ve figured out the main course, but what about the other half of your plate?What Are Shell Beans—And How Do You Cook Them?
Available in their dried, canned, and frozen form year-round, fresh shell beans are really a prize of late summer. And their time is now.37 Corn Recipes for Making the Most of Every Ear
The very best corn salads, corn salsas, and corn pastas for every meal between now and the fall.79 Summer Side Dishes That Just Might Upstage the Rest of the Meal
With all the amazing produce in season right now, we’re tempted to organize our meals around the sides.71 BBQ Side Dishes to Add Some Zing to Your Next Cookout
These spectacular sides just might upstage the main event.17 Recipes You Need to Make Before Summer's Over
The last hurrah of summer is coming. So stuff your face with tomatoes while you can.
