This light starter reinvents the classic side dish of lima beans and corn.

Makes 10 servings.

INGREDIENTS

• croutons
• 1/4cup (1/2 stick) butter
• 3cups 1/2-inch cubes crustless sourdough bread (about 8 ounces)
• 1teaspoon coarsely cracked black peppersoup
• 2tablespoons (1/4 stick) butter
• 2cups chopped leeks (white and pale green parts only; about 3 medium)
• 1/4cup minced shallots
• 3garlic cloves, chopped
• 6tablespoons finely chopped fresh italian parsley
• 2tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
• 1tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
• 1large red bell pepper, cut into 1/4-inch cubes
• 8cups low-salt chicken broth
• 1 1/2cups frozen baby lima beans (about 8 ounces)
• 114 3/4-ounce can creamed corn
• 1 1/2cups frozen white corn kernels (about 8 ounces)

DIRECTIONS For croutons:
Melt butter in heavy large skillet over medium heat. Add bread and pepper and stir to coat. Sauté until croutons are golden and crisp on all sides, stirring occasionally, about 12 minutes. Sprinkle with salt. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cool completely; store airtight at room temperature.)

For soup:
Melt butter in heavy large pot over medium heat. Add leeks, shallots, and garlic; sauté until leeks are soft, about 5 minutes. Add 4 tablespoons parsley, thyme, and oregano; sauté until fragrant, about 3 minutes. Mix in red bell pepper. Add broth and lima beans and bring soup to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until lima beans are tender, about 10 minutes. Add creamed corn and corn kernels and heat through. Remove soup from heat; season to taste with salt. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Refrigerate uncovered until cold, then cover and keep refrigerated. Bring to simmer before continuing.)

Ladle soup into bowls. Top each with some croutons and some of remaining 2 tablespoons parsley. Serve, passing remaining croutons separately.

Market tip: Italian parsley, sometimes labeled flat-leaf parsley, has a stronger aroma and flavor than the regular curly-leaf variety.

Tags: Black, Croutons, Pepper, Recipe, Soup, Succotash