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
Scale
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.
