Mexican Succotash

The original succotash was introduced by American Indians in the 1600’s. The name was derived from the Narragansett Indian word msickqqustash, meaning boiled corn. I’m not quite certain what they call it in Cabo, but corn is an obvious staple of Mexico; so, here we go! Last month at Diamante, the posse and I enjoyed poolside time, strict studying and taking notes while “reading” Audible books, the occasional margarita, wild golf cart rides around the property, and then back to the villa for cooking dinner. This is one sweet and spicey version of succotash that we concocted. It may be served warm, room temp, or even chilled…your choice! Take a look! PS. We served it with a grilled shrimp, and lime and honey fruit. That’s coming to you tomorrow right here! Stay tuned.

1 Tbs olive oil
1 1/2 t butter
1/2 cup diced sweet onion
3/4 t salt
3/4 cup diced red pepper
1/4 cup thinly sliced jalapeño pepper
1 Tbs minced garlic
1/2 cup diced fresh tomato
1/2 t cumin
1/4 t cracked black pepper
Pinch cayenne
1 cup green beans, cut on bias in 1 inch pieces
1/4 cup water
2 cups fresh corn kernels
1 cup cooked fresh or frozen baby lima beans (thawed)

Heat oil and butter in skillet over medium heat.
Add onion and salt.
Cook stirring until onion is golden and soft, about 6 minutes.
Add pepper, Jalapeño, and garlic.
Cook until peppers are soft, about 3 minutes.
Add tomatoes, cumin, black pepper, and cayenne.
Cook and stir until heated through, about 1 minute.
Add green beans, water and 1/4 t salt.
Cook 4 minutes.
Add corn and lima beans. Cook, stirring for 3 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper.

2/3 cup serving is 140 calories.


Mexican Street Corn

Diamante Resort, Cabo San Lucas
Left: Poolside View of the Villa ~ Right: View from The Dunes Course

When in Cabo…Try your darndest to consume all of the locally farmed goods available. We hung out in the beautiful villa kitchen almost every evening, prepping fresh deliciousness to share around the dining table. So let’s all stretch our culinary senses and live more scrumptiously. Yum…and more to come (think Baha Artichokes!)

8 ears fresh sweet corn
2 Tbs canola oil
1/2 cup low fat sour cream
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Zest of a lime
2 jalapeno peppers, ribs and seeds removed, and sliced
1/2 cup cotija
Sprinkle of chili powder

Brush corn with canola oil.
Grill corn and peppers over medium heat 8 to 10 minutes.
(Or boil until tender if a grill is not available. Then char it in a skillet over medium high heat.)
Stir together sour cream, cilantro, and lime zest in bowl.
Brush corn with mixture.
Sprinkle with cotija and then chili powder to taste.

Sautéed Sweet Corn ~ Three Ways

Sautéed Sweet Corn (Original Version)

Sautéed Sweet Corn (Original Version)

Sweet white corn is still plentiful at your farmers market and grocery. So treat your taste buds to some real happiness with one or all three of these variations!

8 ears of local sweet white corn, shucked and silked
2 Tbs butter
1 cup milk
1 Tbs sugar
1/4 t salt
1/2 t pepper

With a large sharp knife, cut the corn off the cob on a cutting board.
Melt butter in large skillet.
Add corn, milk, sugar, salt and pepper.
Cook over medium high heat stirring often for 4 minutes.
Turn heat to medium low, and continue cooking 3 to 4 more minutes.
Remove from heat and allow to rest 5 minutes.

*Author’s Note: I count on a bit more than 1 ear of corn per person.

Mexican Variation … Where Great Flavors Co-mingle!
Ingredients from Sautéed Sweet Corn
2 Tbs minced ginger
Zest of 1/2 lime
Juice of 1 lime
2 Tbs of chopped cilantro

Add ginger and lime zest to the corn, milk, and sugar as prepared above.
When corn is cooked, remove it from the heat.
Add lime juice and cilantro.
Stir and allow to rest 2 minutes.

Starch Sauteed Corn with JalapenosJalapeño Variation … Ohhh La La!
Ingredients from Sautéed Sweet Corn
10 slices of jalapeño pepper (in a jar), diced
Sauté jalapeño in butter for 2 minutes.
Add corn, milk, and sugar.
Cook over medium high heat stirring often for 4 minutes.
Turn heat to medium low, and continue cooking 3 to 4 more minutes.
Remove from heat and allow to rest 5 minutes.