Succotash

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Shell: 1 pound fresh lima beans or other, fresh shell beans.

   Step 2

   Place the beans in a pot with water to cover by 1 1/2 inches. Cook until tender; start checking after 10 minutes. Season with: Salt.

   Step 3

   Meanwhile shuck: 4 ears sweet corn.

   Step 4

   Slice off the kernels with a sharp knife. You should have about 2 cups.

   Step 5

   Melt in a heavy pot over medium heat: 3 tablespoons butter.

   Step 6

   Add: 1 small onion, peeled and diced, 2 to 3 thyme sprigs.

   Step 7

   Cook for 5 minutes and add: 2 small summer squash, diced, Salt.

   Step 8

   Cook for another 5 minutes, add the corn, and after 1 minute add the drained cooked beans. Cook for 3 or 4 minutes, until the corn has cooked through. Check the seasoning and adjust as needed. Stir in: 2 teaspoons chopped parsley.

2. Variations

   Step 9

   Add 2 garlic cloves, chopped fine, at the same time as the corn.

   Step 10

   Add 2 teaspoons chopped basil or summer savory with the chopped parsley.

   Step 11

   Add 1 diced sweet pepper to the onions and cook for 3 minutes before adding the diced squash.

   Step 12

   A few minutes before adding the corn, add 2 tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and diced.