Succotash

Succotash, from the Narragansett word msickquatash for boiled corn kernels, is a traditional American dish with a base of beans and corn. Based upon similar dishes made by the Algonquian tribes, American colonists are thought to have interpreted and incorporated succotash into American cuisine during the 16th or 17th century. Many believe succotash was served during early American Thanksgiving meals and later became a staple during the Great Depression due to available, inexpensive and filling ingredients. Succotash can be made with any number of different ingredients including various meats and vegetables and cooked in a variety of ways including casseroles and potpies. I prefer the simplicity of a vegetarian succotash salad, though browned bacon is a delicious addition, because it can be served as a side dish, salad or entrée and tastes great at most any temperature. Succotash pairs well with german potato salad, zucchini-squash fritters and stuffed bell peppers.

2 c frozen lima beans, defrosted

2 ears corn, kernels removed

1 medium tomato, finely diced

1 tbsp parsley, finely chopped

1 small yellow onion, trimmed and thinly sliced

1 clove garlic, pressed or finely chopped

1 tbsp butter

salt and pepper

1. Heat butter in a medium skillet over medium-low heat. Add the onion and sauté until soft and translucent, 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add garlic and parsley, stir to combine and remove from heat.

2. Place lima beans, corn, tomato and sautéed onions in a medium mixing bowl and gently fold to combine. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve warm, room temperature or cold.

Serves 3-4

Fresh Massaman Curry

Curries are one of the staples of Thai cooking and though prepared curry pastes are readily available, fresh curry paste is especially delicious. Massaman curry paste is of Muslim origin, from southern Thailand and Massaman tends to be one of the more mild curries found in Thailand. It is believed the term Massaman is a colloquial word for Muslim. Massaman curry paste includes peanuts, potatoes and spices such as cumin, clove and nutmeg, which were brought to Thailand from Indonesia by traders. Because tofu is used in place of meat, fried tofu and potatoes and used along with more vegetables are added to give the resulting curry a full and rounded flavor. Fresh Thai spring rolls and cucumber watermelon slaw are both delicious with Massaman curry.

Meat may be sautéed on its own and in place of fried tofu.

For Kenneth, who loves curry.

For the Paste:

¼ c peanuts

1 shallot, roughly chopped

3 cloves garlic, trimmed

1 small chili pepper, trimmed

1 tbsp ginger or galangal, peeled

1 stalk lemongrass, trimmed and cut into large pieces

2 tbsp fish sauce or tamari

1 tsp brown or palm sugar

1 tsp coriander

½ tbsp cumin

1/8 tsp nutmeg

½ tsp cinnamon

1/8 tsp clove

¼ tsp cardamom

1. If using whole spices, grind them into a fine powder. Combine ingredients in a food processor and process into a smooth paste.

2. Makes about ½ c curry paste. Curry paste can be frozen for 2-3 months.

For the Curry:

1 c tofu, cubed and fried

4 new potatoes, sliced and fried

1 carrot, peeled and sliced into thin rounds

½ red pepper, trimmed diced

¼ lb green beans, trimmed

1 ear of corn, kernels removed from cob

1 onion, trimmed and finely diced

1 can coconut milk

2 scallions, trimmed and finely sliced

¼ c cilantro leaves

¼ c Thai basil

1 tbsp vegetable oil plus more for frying

salt and pepper

1. Place a large heavy pot, add oil and heat over medium heat. Add onion and 2-3 tbsp massaman curry paste; stir continually until onions are translucent, about 5 minutes. Add carrot and continue sautéing for until carrot is slightly tender, about 2-3 minutes.

2. Next, add coconut milk to the pot and bring to a simmer. Once simmering, add fried tofu, fried potatoes, red pepper, and green beans, combine and simmer until vegetables are brilliant in color, about 1 minute. Stir in corn, scallions, cilantro and basil and remove curry from heat.

3. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve curry over jasmine rice.

Serves 3-4

Toasted Corn and Tomato Salad

I grew up in a family with a deep love for Mexico and for as long as I can remember I have been especially fond of Mexican and so influenced cuisine as their flavors, color and textures are vivid and delicious. I was thinking of Mexican cuisine when I decided to make corn and tomato salad, adding cilantro and oregano, herbs commonly used in Mexico. Skillet toasted corn reminds me of the sweet smoky flavor imparted on corn by grilling, which I very much enjoy. Corn originated in the Americas and has been cultivated by people for thousands of years. I like making corn salad during the summer with tomatoes and corn are in season and abundant. Aside from complimenting any number of Mexican-inspired dishes, toasted corn salad also goes well with braised lentils and brown rice fritters.

Frozen corn may be used instead of or in addition to fresh corn depending upon availability.

2 c fresh corn, removed from cob

1 medium tomato, diced

3 scallions, finely diced

1 clove garlic, pressed or finely chopped

1 tbsp cilantro, finely chopped

½ tsp oregano, finely chopped

1 tsp vegetable oil

salt and pepper

1. Heat a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the corn and toast until light-golden brown, about 5 minutes, stirring continually.

2. Once corn is toasted, add oil, scallions and garlic, stir to combine and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Remove ingredients from heat and place in a medium-mixing bowl.

3. Add tomatoes and herbs to toasted corn and stir to combine. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Allow ingredients to marinate at least 1 hour before serving.

4. Serve salad at room temperature.

Serves 3-4

Creamy Polenta

Polenta is an Italian version of cooked grain, commonly made with white or yellow cornmeal, and often referred to as a peasant food due to the use of an inexpensive and accessible ingredient. Cooked grains have been a staple of Italian cuisine for many years, though earlier forms of polenta utilized a variety of ingredients such as farro and chestnut because corn had yet to be introduced to Europe from the Americas. Polenta is served in different ways depending on the region including soft, dense, firm, shaped or fried. I like to serve polenta with stuffed summer squash or stuffed acorn squash.

Any grind of cornmeal will work, but cooking time may have to be adjusted. More water may be added as necessary. Any fresh herb will work.

1 c cornmeal, finely ground

4 c water

¼ c parmesan, grated

1 tbsp butter

1 large clove garlic, pressed or finely chopped

1 tsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped

salt and pepper

1. In a large heavy pot, combine cornmeal and water and place over medium-high heat. Bring contents to a boil, stirring continually to prevent cornmeal from clumping or sticking to the bottom. Reduce heat to medium or medium-low, so that contents are at a simmer. Continue stirring frequently until water content has been reduced and mixture is creamy, 30-40 minutes. Once desired consistency has been reached, remove polenta from heat.

2. Add Parmesan, butter, garlic and rosemary to polenta, stirring to thoroughly combine, cover and set aside for 10 minutes.

3. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve warm.

Serves 3-4

Southwestern Stewed Pork and Beans

I first came across Christmas lima beans while shopping at a farmer's market in Tucson, Arizona. The Native Seeds Search was selling them along with many other beans and grains. I was drawn to their red and white color immediately and decided to bring them home to New York to cook with them. Christmas lima beans were popular in the South during the mid-19th century and have only recently resurfaced with the help of heirloom bean growers around the country. They have subsequently become one of my favorite beans. Though they can be difficult to find, I have been able to order them online and find them at specialty markets. Beet salad or marinated brassicas or beets and tangerines would make a nice starter or side to this stew.

Any variety of bean will work for this stew, such as a kidney, pinto or other lima bean.

½ lb pork shoulder, cut into 1 inch cubes

2 c Christmas lima beans, cooked

1 medium yellow onion, trimmed and diced

1 medium carrot, peeled and diced

1 stalk celery, trimmed and diced

1 large red pepper, trimmed and diced

1 small waxy potato, peeled and diced

½ c corn, fresh or frozen

2 cloves garlic, smashed

1 tsp chili powder

½ tsp ground cumin

½ c beer

2 c stock

water

salt and pepper

1. Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven, or similarly heavy pan, over medium heat. Add pork, brown each side, remove pork from pan and set aside.

2. Keeping pan over medium heat, add 1 tbsp vegetable oil. Add the potato and fry until golden brown. Next, add onion, carrot, pepper and celery, sautéing until translucent. Add cumin, chili and garlic and continue sautéing until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.

3. Add beer to the Dutch oven and bring to a simmer. Return the browned pork to the Dutch oven, add cooked beans and return ingredients to a simmer. Once simmering, add stock, reduce heat to low, cover and simmer until pork is tender, about 20 minutes. Add additional water if necessary to maintain cooking liquid.

4. Once pork is tender, remove stew from heat, add corn and water if necessary. Cover and set for 10 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

5. Serve warm with sour cream and cilantro or toppings of choice.

Serves 3-4

Winter Wheat Berry Salad with Bacon, Corn and Arugula

I have found grain salads to be an excellent way to increase the use of whole grains in my cooking. There are many different grains to choose from and each one is unique in flavor, texture and appearance. Grains are easy to cook in boiling water, but generally take a few hours. I like to make grain salads throughout the year as they are versatile, a great addition to most any meal and delicious on their own. Wheat berry salad tastes good along side blue potatoes and fennel beet salad.

Other types of grain may be substituted for hard red winter wheat berries. Spinach would also work well, depending on availability and preference.

2 c cooked hard winter wheat berries

2 strips bacon, finely sliced

1 medium red onion, finely diced

1 c corn, fresh or frozen

2 c fresh arugula, roughly chopped

1 tsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped

salt and pepper

1. Place cooked wheat berries in a large mixing bowl and set aside.

2. Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add bacon and brown, stirring occasionally. Once bacon has browned, add onions and cook until translucent. Add corn and rosemary, continue cooking until rosemary is fragrant and corn is cooked, about 2-3 minutes. Once ingredients are ready, remove the skillet from heat.

3. Next, add arugula to the skillet and stir to combine, allowing arugula to wilt slightly. Place all ingredients in the large mixing bowl with the wheat berries and gently combine. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve warm or room temperature.

Serves 3-4