It’s no coincidence that February is Heart Health Month.. after all what better month to think about heart health than February when we celebrate St. Valentines Day – a day dedicated to affairs of the heart!
Heart health is something that is near and dear to my heart, and something that I am very familiar with – my father suffered from heart disease and as a result, I was raised on a “heart healthy” diet. Back then, not nearly as much was known about the relationship between diet and heart health… but as they say, “we’ve come a long way baby” and today we know even more about the relationship between diet and heart health. In short, the message for heart health is the same as for good health – eat lots of fruit and vegetables, whole grains, low fat dairy and lean protein sources. For most of us, eating more fresh fruit, switching to low fat dairy and leaner meat is pretty easy… its the “getting more vegetables” that can be a problem… and that is why I love this Southwestern Succotash. It’s bursting with peppers, onions, zucchini, corn and lima beans which are sauteed over high heat in a little corn oil…
Wha.. wait a minute, corn oil? Yes, corn oil!! I know, I know you were expecting olive oil, right? For most of us, olive oil is now our “de facto” oil – we cook with it, drizzle salads with it, dip our bread in it and make desserts with it. But there are other “heart healthy” oils out there and they definitely deserve a space in your pantry – like corn oil. So why corn oil? Well, it has a higher smoke point than either canola or olive oil, making it a perfect oil for high heat cooking - like this Southwestern Succotash which is cooked over high heat to caramelize the vegetables. Corn oil also is high in in both monosaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Corn oil also has high levels of phytosterols which recent studies indicate can help reduce the absorption of cholesterol. Just as eating a wide variety of fruits and vegetables is good for our heart, so is consuming different vegetable oils – each has a little different mix of fats as well as micronutrients. But aside from the nutritional benefits, each oil has a slightly different flavor profile – corn oil is a natural fit with this Southwestern Succotash!
An easy weeknight side dish, this Southwestern Succotash is great with just about anything from the grill or tossed with romaine lettuce for a salad. It also (believe it or not) makes a terrific filling for burritos or quesadillas! It is definitely as easy and tasty way to get those vegetables!
Mazola provided me with the corn oil used in the recipe. All opinions however are my own!
If you like your food a little spicier, feel free to add a couple of drops of tabasco! This is great served as is or with a little dollop of plain greek yogurt on top.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. Mazola Corn oil
- 1 large red onion, cut into 1/2 inch dice
- 2 medium zucchini, cut into 1/2 inch dice
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1/2 inch dice
- 1 orange bell pepper, cut into 1/2 inch dice
- 1 - 10 oz. package frozen lima beans
- 1 - 10 oz. package frozen corn
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp. cumin
- 2 tsp. chili powder
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. pepper
- juice of 1 fresh lime
Instructions
- In a large skillet (preferably cast iron), heat the corn oil over medium high heat. When the oil is hot (but not smoking!) add the onions and the peppers. Stir the onions and peppers until they begin to color and soften, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic, lima beans, corn and zucchini. Stir to combine and then add the cumin, chili powder, salt and pepper. Continue to stir over medium high heat until the corn, lima beans and zucchini are golden brown. Just before serving, add the lime juice and stir to combine. Taste and adjust seasonings.
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{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }
This post is so informational and your succotash looks so full of vitamins! I’ve never used corn oil but will definitely pick some up next time I’m at the store. I love experimenting with different oils and changing it up from olive oil. This meal is definitely on my to-make list! Pinning it now!
Hi Julia! I hope you enjoy it! Corn oil is definitely a great oil to have on hand!!!
It’s been years since I have made Succotash and now you have reminded me that I need to add this one into my weekly meal plan! Love all of the flavors and the colors!
That is the reason I love reading everyone’s blogs Susan… there are so many great dishes that I’ve forgotten about!!!
Looks wonderful Nancy!
Thanks Marla… have to say, I and OC miss you girl!!
Such a great, healthy twist on succotash, Nancy!
Thanks Aida!!
Great timing! I have been looking for heart healthy recipes… and this looks fabulous!
Hi Amanda,
Despite not being “bean” lovers, my family loves this succotash. What I love is that it’s easy and versatile!!
Another wonderful dish to go in my repertoire. FYI my family is loving you.
Hi Madonna,
Aww… that comment completely made my week (ok, I’ll be honest, my month!!) Hope you all enjoy the succotash!!
What a lovely succotash, Nancy. I don’t believe I’ve ever seen one with zucchini in it but I like that idea. I keep a variety of oils on hand in my pantry, including corn oil. I particularly like the flavor and actually use it in making mayonnaise sometimes.
I am sure some southerners would think I am really pushing the definition of “succotash” but all these veggies and beans go so well together! Oooh… corn oil in mayo? THAT I have GOT to try!!!