As the sun beats down and the days grow longer, summer is the perfect time to indulge in the sweet, juicy goodness of fresh corn. There's nothing quite like the taste of a freshly picked ear of corn, whether it's grilled to perfection, turned into a delicious salad, or used in a variety of other mouth - watering recipes. In this article, we'll explore some of the best ways to make the most of this summer staple.
One of the simplest and most popular ways to enjoy corn is by grilling it on the cob. Start by shucking the corn, removing all the husks and silk. You can leave a little bit of the husk at the end to use as a handle. Then, soak the corn in cold water for about 15 - 20 minutes. This helps to prevent the corn from drying out and burning on the grill. Preheat your grill to medium - high heat. Once the grill is hot, place the corn directly on the grates. Grill the corn for about 10 - 15 minutes, turning it every few minutes to ensure even cooking. The kernels should be tender and slightly charred. You can serve the grilled corn with a pat of butter, a sprinkle of salt and pepper, or a squeeze of lime juice for an extra burst of flavor.
Another great way to use fresh corn is in a corn salad. This is a refreshing and healthy dish that's perfect for a summer picnic or cookout. To make a basic corn salad, you'll need fresh corn kernels, cherry tomatoes, red onions, fresh cilantro, and a simple dressing. Start by cutting the corn kernels off the cob. You can do this by standing the cob upright on a cutting board and using a sharp knife to slice down the sides. In a large bowl, combine the corn kernels, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onions, and chopped fresh cilantro. For the dressing, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. You can also add other ingredients to your corn salad, such as avocado, feta cheese, or black beans, to make it even more flavorful and filling.
If you're feeling a bit more adventurous, you can try making corn chowder. This creamy soup is a classic comfort food that's perfect for a cool summer evening. To make corn chowder, start by sautéing chopped onions, celery, and carrots in a large pot over medium heat until they're softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute. Then, add fresh corn kernels, chicken or vegetable broth, and a splash of milk or cream. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 15 - 20 minutes, until the vegetables are tender. Use an immersion blender or transfer the soup to a regular blender to puree it until smooth. You can also leave some of the corn kernels whole for added texture. Season the chowder with salt, pepper, and a pinch of thyme or rosemary. Serve the chowder hot with a sprinkle of shredded cheese and a dollop of sour cream on top.
Corn fritters are another delicious option. These crispy, golden - brown fritters are made with a batter that includes fresh corn kernels, flour, eggs, and milk. Start by combining the dry ingredients, such as flour, baking powder, salt, and a little bit of sugar, in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and melted butter. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Then, fold in the fresh corn kernels. Heat some oil in a large skillet over medium - high heat. Drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil and flatten them slightly with the back of the spoon. Cook the fritters for about 2 - 3 minutes on each side, until they're golden brown and crispy. Drain the fritters on a paper towel - lined plate. You can serve the corn fritters with a side of salsa, sour cream, or maple syrup for a sweet and savory combination.
Lastly, corn can also be used in a delicious corn and black bean salsa. This salsa is a great topping for tacos, nachos, or grilled chicken. To make the salsa, combine fresh corn kernels, canned black beans (rinsed and drained), diced tomatoes, chopped red onions, fresh cilantro, lime juice, and a little bit of jalapeno pepper for some heat. Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the salsa sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. The longer it sits, the better it tastes.
In conclusion, fresh corn is a versatile and delicious ingredient that can be used in a wide variety of summer recipes. Whether you're grilling it on the cob, making a salad, chowder, fritters, or salsa, there's no shortage of ways to enjoy this summer favorite. So, the next time summer hits, head to your local farmers' market, pick up some fresh corn, and start cooking up a storm!