Spring Succotash

Ingredients

• 4-5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 cups shucked and shelled fava beans
• 2 cups corn, fresh or frozen
• 2 cups diced ham
• 2 diced carrots
• 2-3 chopped spring onions
• 2 tablespoons chopped mint or parsley
• Juice of a lemon
• Salt to taste

Directions

1. Warm the olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat; choose one with room for all the vegetables and ham. Stir in the ham and carrots, then cook, stirring occasionally, until the ham starts to take on color, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the corn and spring onions, and stir everything together. Continue cooking for another 2 minutes.
3. Stir in the already-blanched fava beans and cook for 1 minute more.
4. Take the pan off the heat, stir in the lemon juice, and check the seasoning. The ham may bring enough salt on its own. Cover the pan and leave it for 2 minutes so everything can steam gently.
5. Just before serving, fold in the mint and bring it to the table hot or at room temperature.