Succotash

A summer favorite featuring my favorite vegetable, Okra. To think at one point in my life I could not stand okra. The sliminess, the little hairs it has just always had me creeped out. But as I got older the okra soup tasted a bit tastier every time. Now it’s to the point where I make okra purloo (rice, okra, and chicken) weekly when its in season. Or even dishes as simple as Succotash. I’m pretty sure mine is slightly different with my charred okra pieces. But I promise you it will make you fall in love with okra too.

1 lb okra, sliced

¼ c yelllow onion, diced

1 c cherry tomatoes (quartered or halved depending on how small you want it)

½ c sweet red pepper (it would be a medium sized one)

1 15 oz can of Lima beans, drained (or you can switch it out for Black Eyed Peas)

1 ear of corn, roasted (1 can is fine but the fresh will be tastier)**

1 tsp smoked paprika

1 tsp garlic, minced

salt and pepper to taste

olive oil

Put a large frying pan on medium heat

Add in the onions, saute for about 3 minutes

Add in the pepper saute until about 2 minutes so it is slightly softened with still a little bite

Make a space in the center and add in the garlic

Cook for 2-3 minute until softned. I try not to distrub it during the first minute to let it get the flavor out

Stir it all together

Add in the Lima beans and about a ¼ cup of water (or stock) What you are doing now is deglazing the pan getting those nice bits and pieces from the bottom of the pan to get flavor.

Add in salt, pepper, smoked paprika, stir and cover

I like my lima beans on the softer side So I cook it for about 8-10 minutes covered

Next you will pour all of those ingdients into a large bowl and set aside

Add some oil to the pan make sure the entire surface has a light cover of oil

add in your okra. Allow it to brown on both sides. This is where we cut down the sliminess of okra.

After it has charred on both sides add in your tomatoes

Cut the corn off the cob that you roasted and throw it in there too.

Now add back all of the ingredients to the pot.

Cook for an addtional 3-5 mintues

Eat it Just like it is as the main, pair it with your favorite chicken recipe or enjoy over some white rice like a real geechee.