Field Peas, Corn, and Okra in Country-Ham Cream

Active Time: 25 MinsTotal Time1 Hour 15 Mins
Yield: Serves 6

This comforting skillet supper makes a great summertime meal, when field peas, corn, and okra are in season. While fresh veggies are the star of the dish, the country-ham cream, a light yet luxurious sauce, will have you licking your plate. Serve alongside some skillet cornbread and you’ll have a meal to remember.

Ingredients

  • 3-4ears fresh corn, husks removed
  • 3 cups shelled fresh or thawed frozen field peas (1 lb.), rinsed
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 5 ounces sliced country ham, cut into thin strips (from 1 [10-oz.] pkg.)
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup tomato paste
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1small red onion, halved and thinly sliced
  • 1 cup fresh okra, cut into thin rounds
  • 1-2 tablespoons hot sauce, to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves

How to Make It

Step 1

Cut off corn kernels from ears; scrape corn from cobs to yield about 2 cups total. Set aside kernels and scraped corn; discard cobs.

Step 2

Stir together peas and salt in a medium saucepan. Add water to cover by a depth of 1 inch. Bring to a boil over high, skimming foam that rises to the top. Reduce heat to medium, and partially cover. Simmer until tender, 15 to 25 minutes. Drain; set aside.

Step 3

While peas simmer, cook ham in a small saucepan over medium, stirring often, until slightly browned, about 5 minutes. Add cream and tomato paste, stirring to loosen browned glaze from bottom of pan. Reduce heat to medium, and bring to a simmer; remove from heat. Set aside.

Step 4

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high. Add onion; cook, stirring occasionally, until onion starts to soften, about 5 minutes. Stir in corn, peas, and okra. Reduce heat to medium-low; cover and cook, undisturbed, 5 minutes. (Let okra cook a few minutes before stirring to reduce stringiness.)

Step 5

Uncover skillet. Stir in reserved ham-cream mixture, and cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender and sauce thickens slightly, 10 minutes. Stir in hot sauce and pepper. Stir in basil; serve immediately.

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