Are you craving that incredibly flavorful succotash you remember from Bonefish Grill? That perfect blend of sweet corn, tender lima beans, and smoky bacon? Well, stop craving and start cooking! This easy-to-follow recipe lets you recreate that restaurant-quality side dish right in your own kitchen. It’s a perfect addition to any summer barbecue, a delicious side for grilled fish or chicken, or even a satisfying vegetarian meal on its own (simply omit the bacon). Get ready to impress your friends and family with this healthy and delicious homemade version!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 slices bacon, diced (optional, for a vegetarian version omit)
- 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
- 1 cup fresh or frozen lima beans
- 1 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels (about 2 ears of corn)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions:
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Prep the Bacon (optional): If using bacon, cook it in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving the bacon grease in the skillet. Set the bacon aside and crumble when cooled.
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Sauté the Onions: Add the olive oil to the skillet (or add a little more if needed, depending on the bacon grease). Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
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Combine Ingredients: Stir in the lima beans, corn, chicken broth, butter, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
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Simmer to Perfection: Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the lima beans are tender and the liquid has slightly reduced. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Stir in Bacon (optional): If using bacon, stir in the crumbled bacon during the last minute of cooking.
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Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and stir in the fresh parsley. Serve warm as a delicious side dish.
Cooking Tips for the Best Succotash:
- Fresh vs. Frozen: Feel free to use either fresh or frozen corn and lima beans. If using frozen, there's no need to thaw them beforehand.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter succotash, add a little more brown sugar to taste. Conversely, you can reduce the amount if you like a less sweet dish.
- Spice it Up: For a bit of a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mixture while simmering.
- Make it Creamy: For an extra creamy texture, stir in a tablespoon of heavy cream or sour cream at the end.
Delicious Variations:
- Add some bell peppers: For added color and flavor, try adding diced bell peppers along with the onions.
- Herbs: Experiment with different fresh herbs like thyme or chives.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roast your corn and lima beans before adding them to the skillet for a smoky flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate, without bacon):
- Calories: Approximately 150
- Fat: 8g
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
This Bonefish Grill-inspired succotash is a simple yet impressive dish perfect for any occasion. It’s a quick dinner idea, a healthy meal option, and an easy recipe even beginner cooks can master. Enjoy the delicious results of your homemade cooking!