Southern Succotash

Ingredients

• 6-8 slices Bacon (– cut into 1/2’’ pieces (about 6-8 ounces) (SEE NOTES for vegetarian option))
• 1 medium Red Bell Pepper (– seeded & small dice (about 3/4 cup))
• 1/2 medium Red Onion (– small dice (about 1 heaping cup))
• 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cumin
• 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper
• To Taste Kosher Salt & Ground Black Pepper
• 2 cloves Garlic (– finely chopped)
• 4 whole Ears Corn (– shucked & kernels cut from cob (or 4 cups frozen corn kernels) (SEE NOTES))
• 2 1/2 cups Fresh-Frozen Baby Lima Beans (- thawed (about 10 ounces) (SEE NOTES))
• 2 TBS Butter (– cut into small cubes (OPTIONAL – IF SERVING WARM ONLY!))
• 2 TBS Apple Cider Vinegar
• 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes (- halved (about 6 ounces))
• 1/4 Cup packed Fresh Basil (– thinly sliced & DIVIDED)
• 1/4 Cup Green Onions (– thinly sliced & DIVIDED)

Instructions

1. 1

   Cook Bacon: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is crisp and the fat renders, about 8-10 minutes. Use a slotted-spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside. Drain all but 2 tablespoons of fat from the pan.

2. 2

   Saute Peppers and Onions: Add the pepper, onions + garlic: Reduce the heat to medium and add the bell peppers and onions. Season cumin and cayenne, along with 1 ¾ teaspoons of salt and a ¾ teaspoon of black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 4-5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

3. 3

   Add Corn and Lima Beans: Add the corn + lima beans: Add the corn and lima beans to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are just heated through and just tender, about 6-7 minutes.

4. 4

   Add Vinegar: IF SERVING WARM - Add the butter + vinegar: Add the butter and vinegar; and cook, gently stirring constantly until the butter is melted, about 1 minute. Remove from heat and proceed directly to the next step.IF SERVING COLD - Add the vinegar: Turn off the heat and add the vinegar to the pan. Gently stir the succotash to combine. Remove from heat. Let cool for 10 minutes before proceeding to next step.

5. 5

   Add Tomatoes and Fresh Herbs: Add tomatoes + fresh herbs: Add all of the cherry tomatoes, along with half the basil and half the green onions. Gently stir to combine.

6. 6

   Serve Southern Succotash: Garnish and Serve: Top the succotash with the crispy bacon and the remaining fresh herbs (basil and green onions). Taste and adjust for seasoning and vinegar before serving. Serve and enjoy!