The “Three Sisters” refer to corn, squash, and beans – three crops that Native Americans grew in harmony with each other, that made up the basis of many meals throughout the Americas. In this recipe, we toss the three sisters with wild rice (another crop native to North America) and punchy queso fresco (a fresh, Mexican cheese) for a hearty, one-dish meal.
2 ears corn, kernels removed from cob
2 ½ cups diced butternut squash
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1/4 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
¾ teaspoon chili powder
1 cup wild rice
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
juice of 1 lime
4 ounces queso fresco (can substitute feta), crumbled or diced
Pepper to taste
An Oldways recipe, courtesy of Kelly Toups
Elena Brooks says: I only recently learned the nutritional story of the Three Sisters. I tried an other recipe which exposed my lack of kitchen skills. Delicious but a mess. I can’t wait to try this recipe. Looks a almost foolproof, even for me!
JOHN OLATASHIYU WALLACE says: Can not wait to try this recipe!
Kathleen Taleithea O'Reilly says: BTW, I make mine a little different and more traditional to Cherokee recipe!
ava von sontausen says: do tell! please!
Anna says: Please share!!
Kathleen Taleithea O'Reilly says: This is AWESOME!! Native American Culture is almost a forgotten heritage, but the “Three Sisters” is not only an awesome recipe, a wonderful story in our culture.
Three Sisters Legend #1 From http://www.birdclan.org/threesisters.htmretrieved
The three sisters are Corn, Beans, and Squash. They are seen as the three beautiful sisters because they grow in the same mound in the garden. The Corn provides a ladder for the Bean Vine. They together give shade to the Squash. The Cherokee till the mound three times.
Tobeka says: Excellent recipe
Samantha says: Delicious warm or cold. Great as an entre or use a smaller portion as a side dish.
Tamia says: My Native American grandmother used to make this dish for us, I lost the recipe, But remembered its taste, It’s still delicious! Thanks for sharing!
Kathleen Ray says: Very good!
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