If you’re looking to bring a little sunshine and soul to your dinner table, this Southern Succotash with White Acre Peas Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a vibrant celebration of fresh corn, tender white acre peas, and the irresistible smoky crunch of bacon, all mingling together with juicy cherry tomatoes to create a dish bursting with color and comfort. Not only does it capture the essence of Southern cooking, but it’s also incredibly quick to prepare, making it a perfect side or light main to share with friends and family any day of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Southern Succotash with White Acre Peas Recipe is simple yet essential, combining fresh veggies with savory elements to deliver a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Each component plays a vital role, contributing to the dish’s vibrant look and rich taste.
- 3 ears fresh corn on the cob: The heart of the dish, bringing sweet crunch and natural freshness.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (sliced): Adds a burst of juiciness and a pop of color.
- 2 cups cooked fresh white acre peas: These creamy, buttery peas provide the true Southern soul in this recipe.
- 1 cup reserved white acre pea cooking liquid: Intensifies flavor and adds a nice silky touch.
- 3 slices bacon (cooked and chopped): Introduces irresistible smoky, crispy goodness.
- Optional fresh parsley for garnish: A fresh, herbaceous finish to brighten the dish visually and in flavor.
How to Make Southern Succotash with White Acre Peas Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Corn
Start by rinsing those beautiful ears of corn and placing them right in their husks into the microwave. This method locks in moisture, making the kernels incredibly tender and juicy after just about four and a half minutes. Microwave power varies, so keep an eye on them as they cook.
Step 2: Remove the Corn Kernels Silk-Free
Once the corn cools enough to handle, slice off the bottom inch to create a clean edge. Then, gently squeeze the top of the husk and give it a little shake. This trick is pure magic—the corn pops right out, completely free of silks, ready for you to enjoy without tedious cleaning.
Step 3: Cut the Kernels and Capture the Juices
Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the kernels off into a medium saucepan. Don’t forget to scrape the cob too—there’s a lot of natural corn juice hiding there that’s packed with flavor and moisture, perfect for the succotash.
Step 4: Combine and Heat the Succotash Ingredients
Turn the heat to medium and add your cooked white acre peas along with the reserved cooking liquid to the corn kernels. Bring everything to a gentle boil to marry the flavors. Once bubbling nicely, remove from heat and fold in the sliced cherry tomatoes to keep their fresh sweetness intact.
Step 5: Season and Finish with Bacon
Give your succotash a taste test and add salt and pepper as needed to balance the flavors. Finally, sprinkle the top with crispy chopped bacon and garnish with fresh parsley if you like. Serve this Southern Succotash with White Acre Peas Recipe immediately to enjoy the perfect medley of textures and tastes.
How to Serve Southern Succotash with White Acre Peas Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a lovely classic, adding just a touch of green contrast to the vibrant yellows and reds. If you want to get creative, a sprinkle of finely chopped chives or a tiny drizzle of olive oil can elevate the presentation beautifully.
Side Dishes
This succotash pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, seared pork chops, or even a simple piece of crusty bread. It’s hearty enough to stand on its own, but also shines as a colorful, nutritious complement on any Southern-inspired table.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the succotash in small mason jars or rustic bowls to showcase its bright colors. You can also spoon it over creamy grits or roasted sweet potatoes to add a bit of texture and warmth for a comforting dinner sensation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Southern Succotash with White Acre Peas Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen over time, making leftovers even more delicious when reheated gently.
Freezing
If you want to freeze, place the succotash in a freezer-safe container and enjoy within 2 months for best quality. Keep in mind that fresh cherry tomatoes may soften slightly after freezing, but the overall dish will still taste fantastic.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of water or reserved pea liquid to keep everything moist and tender. Stir often to ensure even warming and to preserve the dish’s vibrant texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh ears?
Absolutely! Frozen corn works well if fresh corn isn’t available—just thaw and drain it before adding. The texture might be a little different, but the flavors will still sing in this Southern Succotash with White Acre Peas Recipe.
Where can I find white acre peas?
Look for white acre peas at specialty markets, farmers’ stalls, or online. They’re a staple in Southern cooking and worth seeking out for their unique creamy texture and sweet, mild flavor.
Is it necessary to use bacon?
While bacon adds a delicious smoky crunch, you can easily omit it or substitute with smoked turkey or even a splash of smoked paprika for that lovely depth without the pork.
Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes! Simply skip the bacon and use olive oil or vegan butter instead. The succotash will still be delightful, showcasing the freshness of the peas and corn beautifully.
How long does this dish take to prepare?
You can have this Southern Succotash with White Acre Peas Recipe ready in about 20 minutes, making it a fantastic quick side or light meal during busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Final Thoughts
This Southern Succotash with White Acre Peas Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug from the South—comforting, fresh, and packed with vibrant flavors that come together effortlessly. Whether you’re new to white acre peas or a longtime fan, I hope you enjoy making and sharing this recipe as much as I do. It’s a slice of Southern sunshine on your plate that you’ll want to come back to again and again.
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Southern Succotash with White Acre Peas Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
Description
This Southern Succotash with White Acre Peas is a vibrant and hearty side dish that combines the sweetness of fresh corn, the earthiness of white acre peas, and the savory crunch of crispy bacon. Perfectly cooked corn is combined with cooked white acre peas and their cooking liquid, then simmered briefly before being enhanced with fresh cherry tomatoes and bacon, making a flavorful accompaniment to any Southern-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 ears fresh corn on the cob
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced
- 2 cups cooked fresh white acre peas
- 1 cup reserved white acre pea cooking liquid
- 3 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Microwave the Corn: Rinse the corn ears and place them unshucked in the microwave. Microwave for about 4 and a half minutes depending on your microwave’s wattage to cook the corn evenly.
- Cool and Remove Corn from Husk: Let the corn cool for a few minutes. Cut off the bottom inch of the ear (not including the stem). Then squeeze the top of the husk and gently shake to pop out the cooked corn, which will be silk-free.
- Remove Kernels: Use a sharp knife to carefully scrape or cut the kernels off the cob into a medium saucepan, scraping the cob to collect any remaining juices for extra flavor.
- Combine and Heat: Place the saucepan over medium heat, add the cooked white acre peas and the reserved cooking liquid to the corn. Bring the mixture to a boil, then remove from heat.
- Add Tomatoes and Season: Stir in the sliced cherry tomatoes. Taste the succotash and season with salt and black pepper as needed.
- Finish and Serve: Top the succotash with the cooked, chopped bacon and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Microwaving corn in the husk steams it perfectly and makes it easier to remove the kernels cleanly.
- Using the reserved white acre pea cooking liquid adds depth of flavor to the succotash.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon or replace it with smoked paprika or vegetarian bacon alternatives.
- Fresh white acre peas can be substituted with fresh lima beans or baby lima beans if unavailable.
- Adjust seasoning at the end for best results since the bacon adds saltiness.
