Recipe

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Corn is one of the most beloved vegetables, especially during the summer months when fresh corn is in season. Its sweet, starchy kernels are incredibly versatile, lending themselves to a wide array of dishes from appetizers to main courses to desserts. Corn is nutritious as well, providing fiber, vitamins C and B6, folate, and more. With so many ways to enjoy this veggie, it’s no wonder corn recipes are so popular.

Let’s explore four delicious corn recipes you simply must try.

Mexican Street Corn Salad

Photo by Marieth Díaz: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-person-holding-an-elote-10735628/

Inspired by elote, this Mexican street corn salad captures the classic flavors of grilled corn slathered in a spicy, creamy sauce and cotija cheese. It transforms those iconic elote flavors into a fresh and tasty salad.

Ingredients:

·       Ears of corn

·       Fresh lime juice

·       Chopped cilantro

·       Chili powder

·       Salt

·       Pepper

·       Mayonnaise

·       Sour cream or Mexican crema

·       Optional: Adobo sauce from a can of chipotles

·       Cotija or feta cheese

Instructions:

1.       Start by grilling ears of corn over high heat until charred on all sides. Alternatively, you can broil the corn to get a nice char.

2.       Cut the kernels off the cobs and place them in a bowl.

3.       Toss the corn with fresh lime juice, chopped cilantro, chili powder, salt, and pepper.

4.       Make the creamy dressing by combining mayonnaise with sour cream or Mexican crema. Add some adobo sauce for a smoky, spicy kick if desired.

5.       Pour the dressing over the corn and toss again until evenly coated.

6.       Top the dressed corn with crumbled cotija or feta cheese and a sprinkle of extra cilantro.

7.       The corn kernels become incredibly juicy and flavorful after soaking up the dressing. It’s an explosion of sweet corn, heat, creaminess, and herbaceous cilantro in each bite.

Grilled Corn on the Cob

One of the simplest yet most delicious ways to enjoy fresh corn is grilled on the cob. This classic summer recipe allows the natural sweetness of corn to shine through. For those looking for an alternative, we also have a simple and amazing tasting boiled corn on the cob recipe as a bonus offering, which you should try if you prefer boiling your veggies instead of grilling them. With that said, here’s a grilled corn on the cob recipe.

Ingredients:

·       Ears of corn

·       Olive oil or melted butter

·       Salt

·       Pepper

·       Optional spices: Garlic powder, chili powder, paprika, cumin

·       Optional for garnish: Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro, flavored butter, grated Parmesan, or a squeeze of lime

Instructions:

1.       Start by husking the ears of corn.

2.       Brush the corn lightly with olive oil or melted butter. This helps the corn grill up nicely without drying out.

3.       Season with salt, pepper, and any other spices you like.

4.       Place the ears of corn directly on a hot grill over medium heat.

5.       Grill for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the corn is lightly charred on all sides. The smoky char from the grill accentuates the sweetness of the corn beautifully.

6.       Baste the corn with more olive oil or butter a few times while grilling to keep it from drying out.

7.       Once the corn is charred and tender, remove it from the grill.

8.       Finish with another brush of olive oil or butter and a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro if desired.

9.       Serve the grilled corn on the cob immediately while hot.

Corn Fritters

These crispy corn fritters make an awesome appetizer or side dish thanks to their irresistible texture and flavor. They come together quickly with just a few simple ingredients.

Ingredients:

·       Corn kernels

·       All-purpose flour

·       Eggs

·       Milk

·       Baking powder

·       Salt

·       Pepper

·       Optional herbs or spices

·       Vegetable oil (for frying)

·       Optional for serving: Sour cream, guacamole, and salsa

Instructions:

1.       In a mixing bowl, combine corn kernels, all-purpose flour, eggs, milk, baking powder, salt, pepper, and any optional herbs or spices.

2.       Fold the ingredients together until a thick, coarse batter forms.

3.       Heat about 1⁄2 inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

4.       Once hot, use a spoon to scoop golf ball-sized portions of the fritter batter into the oil.

5.       Fry for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.

6.       The corn kernels in the batter add great texture and sweet bursts of flavor. As the fritters fry, the batter puffs up around the corn, creating irresistible crispy edges.

7.       Serve the fritters with sour cream, guacamole, or salsa for dipping.

Creamed Corn

Buttery, velvety creamed corn is a classic comfort food side dish. It celebrates the natural sweetness of corn amplified by the addition of cream and butter.

Ingredients:

·       Minced shallots or onion

·       Butter

·       Fresh or frozen corn kernels

·       Heavy cream or half-and-half

·       Salt

·       Pepper

·       Optional: Fresh herbs

·       Optional for added flavor: Grated Parmesan, shredded cheddar, or crumbled bacon

Instructions:

1.       Start by sautéing minced shallots or onion in butter until softened.

2.       Add the corn kernels and sauté for 2-3 more minutes.

3.       Transfer the corn mixture to a blender and add the heavy cream or half and half.

4.       Puree until completely smooth.

5.       Return the pureed corn sauce to the pan and simmer over low heat until thickened to your desired consistency, about 5-10 minutes.

6.       The pureed corn kernels give the sauce its signature ultra-creamy texture.

7.       Season your creamed corn with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs if desired.

8.       For added flavor, mix in options like grated Parmesan, shredded cheddar, or crumbled bacon.

9.       Serve the creamed corn alongside hearty main dishes such as meatloaf, fried chicken, or seared fish.

Conclusion

Corn’s versatility allows it to be transformed into so many delicious dishes, from simple grilled corn on the cob to creamed corn. Its natural sweetness pairs well with smoky, spicy, and creamy flavors. So, try out these awesome corn recipes and discover just how tasty this vegetable can be. Which will become your new favorite way to eat corn?