Thursday, July 23, 2009

Succotash

2 cups fresh, shelled butter or baby lima beans
3 large ears of corn, about 2 cups
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/3 cup minced country ham

1. Place butter beans in large saucepan. Cover with water; add about 3/4 teaspoon of kosher salt. Bring to boiling. Skim surface until clear. Reduce heat to medium;cook partially covered, 30-40 minutes, until tender. Strain beans in a sieve. Set aside.

2. Shuck corn. Remove silks. Scott suggests you use a clean terry kitchen cloth gently rubbing corn to do this. Using a sharp knife, cut corn kernels from cobs.

3. In a large skillet, heat unsalted butter over medium-high heat until melted and foaming. Add corn. Lightly season with salt and freshly ground pepper, stirring to coat corn in butter. Cook 1 to 2 minutes. Add beans. Adjust seasonings. Cook 1 minute more, taking care not to overcook the corn and beans.

4. Add heavy cream and country ham. Cook just until heated through and slightly reduced. Season to taste.