Southern Charm Lima Bean Succotash with Smoked Paprika
Lima beans getting you down? This Southern Charm Lima Bean Succotash with Smoked Paprika will change everything! Creamy, smoky, and utterly delicious. Get the recipe!
Recipe Introduction
Ever looked at a bag of lima beans and thought, "nah"? honestly, i used to. but, trust me, this southern charm lima bean succotash with smoked paprika recipe will make you a believer.
It’s so good, it’s like a warm hug from the south.
Lima Beans: Southern Comfort Food, Elevated
This ain't your grandma's plain lima beans recipe . this recipe has southern roots, like a good old bean and ham hock soup , but it’s got a modern twist.
It takes about 55 minutes and the result is a dish for 4 people, so not too long, perfect for a weeknight.
Why You'll Really Love It
The best part? lima beans are packed with fibre, so you can feel good about eating something that tastes this darn delicious.
Honestly, this is perfect alongside some easy beans and cornbread . this recipe is special because it adds smoked paprika for a smoky flavour.
First, grab your Lima Beans . You'll need 1 pound (450g), fresh or frozen. Now we are on to the good stuff.
Right then, let’s get stuck in! we’re tackling lima beans today, those often-maligned little fellas. but fear not, we’re going to elevate them to something truly special.
Think more "dinner at downton abbey" than "school dinner disaster." this recipe will completely change your mind about lima beans! this builds on a foundation of lima beans .
"The only real stumbling block is fear of failure. In cooking you’ve got to have a what-the-hell attitude." – Julia Child
Southern Charm Lima Bean Succotash with Smoked Paprika Recipe Card
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Ingredients & Equipment
Main Ingredients
Alright, let's gather our bits and bobs. No fancy equipment needed, promise!
- Lima Beans : You'll need 1 pound (450g) of fresh or frozen lima beans , shelled. If using fresh, go for plump, bright green ones. Frozen works just fine, though! Just make sure there's no freezer burn.
- Veggies : 1 tbsp (15ml) of olive oil for sautéing. We also need 4 slices of bacon, chopped. 1 medium onion, chopped. 1 red bell pepper, chopped. And 2 cloves of garlic, minced.
- Corn : You'll need 2 cups (300g) of fresh or frozen corn kernels. It's up to you!
- Seasoning : 1 tsp (5ml) of smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp (2.5ml) of dried thyme. Smoked paprika is key. It adds such depth.
- Sauce : 1/2 cup (120ml) of vegetable broth. And 1/4 cup (60ml) of heavy cream. Season it with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish : Chopped fresh parsley. (Optional, but it looks pretty!).
Seasoning Notes
Smoked paprika is my secret weapon. It elevates the whole dish. Honestly, don't skip it!
Thyme adds a lovely earthiness.
No smoked paprika? Use regular paprika with a tiny dash of liquid smoke, but honestly, try to get the smoked stuff!
Equipment Needed
Nothing too scary, I promise.
- A large skillet or Dutch oven. Anything with a good bottom will do.
- A cutting board.
- A chef's knife.
- Measuring cups and spoons. We aren't baking, after all!
- No fancy gadgets. Just the basics!
Right then, let’s get stuck in! we’re tackling lima beans today, those often-maligned little fellas. but fear not, we’re going to elevate them to something truly special.
Think more "dinner at downton abbey" than "school dinner disaster." this lima beans recipe will completely change your mind about lima beans! honestly, i used to wrinkle my nose at them too, but this southern charm lima bean succotash? game changer.
Southern Charm Lima Bean Succotash
This succotash is a modern twist on a southern classic. tender lima beans , sweet corn, and smoky bell peppers are simmered in a creamy, flavorful sauce infused with smoked paprika and a touch of thyme.
It's comfort food with a kick, perfect as a side dish or a light vegetarian main course. think a sophisticated take on the succotash your nan used to make, but with way more flavour! (and no offence to your nan, of course.
) this builds on a foundation of lima beans and is proper southern butter beans .
Prep Like a Pro
First up, the essential mise en place . it sounds fancy, but it just means get all your bits and bobs ready.
Chop your onion (about 1 cup), red bell pepper (about 1 cup), mince those two cloves of garlic, and make sure your lima beans (1 pound fresh or frozen) and corn (2 cups) are ready to go.
Oh, and chop those 4 slices of bacon!
Time-saving tip? chop all your veg the day before! honestly, it makes life so much easier. as for safety, just remember to keep your fingers out of the way when chopping.
We don't want any culinary casualties, do we?
Let's Get Cooking!
- If using fresh lima beans , shell 'em. If frozen, make sure they are thawed.
- Fry those 4 slices of bacon in a large skillet over medium heat. You want it crispy! Remove the bacon, but keep that delicious bacon fat in the pan – it's flavour central.
- Chuck in your chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 5- 7 minutes until softened. Then, add your minced garlic and cook for another minute .
- Now, the fun part! Add your lima beans , corn, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and ½ teaspoon dried thyme to the skillet. Give it a good stir to combine.
- Pour in ½ cup of vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Then, reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 20- 25 minutes , or until the lima beans are tender. Visual cue? They should be easily pierced with a fork.
- Stir in ¼ cup of heavy cream and return the crispy bacon. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot and garnish with fresh parsley, if you're feeling fancy.
Pro Tips for Lima Bean Nirvana
Want to take this lima bean recipe to the next level? Here are a few insider secrets:
- Bacon fat is your friend. Seriously, don't skimp on it. It adds so much flavour. If you're not a fan of bacon fat, use butter instead.
- Don't overcook the lima beans! Overcooked lima beans are mushy lima beans , and nobody wants that. Check for doneness after 20 minutes.
- This is where your grandma's lima bean and ham recipe goes south, try substituting the bacon with smoked tofu or tempeh for a vegan version. Also, you can check online for ham hock soup if you're looking to serve ham on the side.
This lima bean recipe southern style will be a knockout. Enjoy!
Right then, let's talk Recipe Notes for this Southern Charm Lima Bean Succotash. Honestly, these are more like friendly suggestions to make sure your dish is absolutely banging .
Serving This Southern Delight
First off, how do you serve this deliciousness? presentation, my friend, is key! plating it nicely really makes a difference.
Spoon that creamy lima beans mixture into a bowl. then, top with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. for a real fancy touch, add a crispy bacon crumb.
Now, what goes well with it? this succotash screams for some good ol' easy beans and cornbread . grilled chicken or pork chops are also perfect.
Want a refreshing drink? sweet tea or lemonade does the trick.
Storage Secrets
Right, let's say you've got leftovers. (Highly unlikely, but bear with me.) Here’s how to keep this lima beans recipe southern magic alive.
- Refrigeration: Chuck it in an airtight container in the fridge. It'll keep for up to 3 days, easy peasy.
- Freezing: Now, freezing lima beans can be a bit tricky. The cream might separate a little. But, if you’re desperate, it's doable. Thaw it overnight and give it a good stir when reheating.
- Reheating: The best way? Gently reheat on the hob over low heat. Stir it often. Microwave works too, but it might not be as creamy.
Variations: Let’s Get Creative
Fancy a change? Me too! Here are a couple of tweaks you could make:
- Vegan Vibes: Ditch the bacon and cream. Use smoked tofu. Sub in oat cream. Boom! Vegan succotash that’s just as delicious.
- Seasonal Swaps: In winter, try adding some roasted butternut squash. Autumn? Some crispy sage. Seasonal ingredient swaps keep things interesting, you know?
Nutrition Lowdown
Okay, let's keep this simple. this succotash is pretty good for you, to be fair. it's got fiber from the lima beans .
Protein too! and corn gives you some energy. a serving of this lima beans recipe comes at about 350 calories.
It’s all about a balanced diet, innit?
Honestly, give this Lima Beans Recipe a go. Don't be scared to experiment. You might just surprise yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Help! My lima beans are bitter. What did I do wrong?
Sometimes lima beans can have a slightly bitter taste. To help reduce this, try soaking fresh lima beans in water for a few hours before cooking. This leaches out some of the compounds that contribute to the bitterness. Think of it like a spa day for your lima beans - they'll feel much better afterwards!
Can I use dried lima beans instead of fresh or frozen in this succotash recipe?
Yes, you can absolutely use dried lima beans, but remember to factor in extra prep time! You'll need to soak them overnight and then cook them separately until they're tender before adding them to the succotash. Think of it as a bit of forward planning, like booking your summer holiday in January to get the best deals – totally worth it!
I’m not a fan of bacon. What can I use instead to add flavour to the lima beans?
No worries, bacon isn't everyone's cup of tea! You can use smoked sausage, diced ham, or even some smoked paprika to get that lovely smoky flavour. Alternatively, sautéing the vegetables in butter instead of olive oil will add richness and depth. It's all about finding what tickles your fancy, like choosing your favourite biscuit to dunk in your tea!
How long can I store leftover lima bean succotash?
Leftover succotash can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it's properly cooled before refrigerating. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water if it seems dry. Just like a good curry, sometimes it tastes even better the next day!
Is this Southern Charm Lima Bean Succotash healthy? What are the nutritional benefits?
Lima beans are nutritional powerhouses! They're packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. This succotash also contains other healthy vegetables like corn and bell peppers, making it a balanced and nutritious dish. However, the bacon and heavy cream add fat, so you can modify the recipe to make it healthier, for example by using less bacon and a lighter cream or milk. It's all about balance, like a good Sunday roast – satisfying and nourishing!
Can I freeze this lima bean succotash?
You can freeze lima bean succotash, but the texture might change slightly, especially the cream sauce. It's best to freeze it without the cream if possible. Allow it to cool completely before freezing in an airtight container. When thawing, defrost it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a bit of fresh cream or broth if needed. It's a great way to have a taste of summer even in the depths of winter!
