There is nothing more delightful than settling into a summer evening with family or friends with a nicely done corn on the cob. Corn in all its form works wonders in transforming the taste and texture of all preparations that it is added to. With the advancement of the last several decades, corn is now transformed into myriad other food ingredients and additives, from syrup to flakes, from cornflour or starch to bourbon. You may have a whole folder full of corn recipes, but here are five preparations that you can make with corn in a jiffy.
1. Corn and Peas
You will need corn, peas, butter, garlic salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Take 2 cups of shelled peas, 2 cups of corn kernels, and 1 cup of hot water, and microwave it on high for 5 minutes. If you are using frozen peas and corn, zap it on high for 5 min, give it a stir, and then zap it again for 2 minutes. Drain the water out carefully. Add a tablespoon of butter, a pinch of garlic salt, a pinch of pepper, and some dried thyme. Mix well. Microwave again for 2 minutes. Let it stand for 2 more minutes, sprinkle some fresh cilantro on top, and serve hot. Serves 3-4.
2. Corn and Bell Pepper
You will need corn, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, onion, butter, salt, pepper, and fresh parsley. Heat butter in a pan and before it starts to turn brown and smoke, throw in 1/2 a cup each of chopped green bell pepper and chopped red bell pepper, and 1/2 cup of onions. Stir fry for 3-4 minutes. Throw in 4 cups of corn kernels along with salt and pepper. Stir fry for another 3-4 minutes. Add finely chopped fresh parsley and immediately take it off the heat. Serve hot. Serves 4-6.
3. Corn Salad
You will need corn, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, olive oil, lime juice, garlic, salt and pepper, fresh mint and cilantro. Dice 1 cucumber, 2 tomatoes and 1 onion, and mix them with 1 cup of corn kernels. Separately mix 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of lime juice, 1 finely chopped clove of garlic and the salt and pepper and whisk it till all ingredients are finely blended. Pour this over the corn, cucumber, tomato and onion. Garnish with finely chopped cilantro and mint. Serve cool. Serves 3-4.
4. Sour Cream Corn Dip
You will need sour cream, corn, mayonnaise, chives, green chili, cheddar cheese, salt and pepper. Mix 1 cup of sour cream, 1 cup of mayo, 2 cups of corn kernels, 1/2 cup of chives, 1/4 cup of finely chopped green chili, 1 cup of grated cheddar, and salt and pepper to taste. Ensure that it is evenly mixed and the dip is ready to serve. Serves as a dip for upto 8.
5. The Classic Corn On The Cob
You will need whole corn cob, butter, lime juice, salt, pepper. Roast the corn over a gas or grill flame for about 5 minutes, turning it continuously so that it browns and roasts evenly. Once nice and crackly all over, take it off the flame, and rub the butter into it, followed by lime juice, salt and pepper. Serves 1.
