NEW YORK, July 29 — Right now, farmers’ market corn is as sweet as it gets. Soaked in the husk for a few hours and then thrown onto the grill to steam until tender, the corn is salted and a bit of heaven is revealed. It’s summer, and fresh corn on the cob is what everyone wants to eat.
But don’t stop there. The in-season bounty demands experimentation. Fresh sweet corn is crunchy, sweet, light and versatile. Cut fresh from the cob, corn brightens up salads, stews... even ice cream.
We’ve pulled together 10 fresh dishes that will surprise and delight your family. This is the beginning of your corn adventure. Buy a bushel and let the fun begin!
Charred Sweet Corn Ice Cream With Corn Milk Caramel
Grill the corncobs before steeping them in the milk and cream to give this ice cream a sweet-savoury taste. For the Corn Milk Caramel, use the corncobs to infuse the milk with the flavour of the grilled corn before turning it into caramel. Add a pinch of sea salt before serving.
Mexican Street Corn With a Global Twist
Mix plain Greek yogurt with 2 teaspoons Sriracha Hot Chilli Sauce. Grill husked corn on high heat with the lid down, turning occasionally until lightly charred on all sides (10 to 15 minutes). Generously brush each ear with yogurt mixture. Sprinkle with Cotija cheese (or ricotta salata) and chilli powder to taste. Squeeze a lime wedge over each ear before serving.
Fresh Corn Salad With Blueberries and Tarragon
Raw corn cut from the cob, fresh blueberries and plenty of fresh tarragon match up with sherry vinegar and olive oil for a small salad with giant tastes and textures.
Crab and Corn Chowder With Bourbon and Bacon
It takes just a shot of bourbon and a bit of bacon to spice up this traditional corn chowder, which is finished off with cooked shrimp, crab or lobster for a delicious and hearty summertime meal.
Thai Somtam Corn Salad
Swapping out the green papaya in traditional Thai somtam for cooked fresh corn to give this hot-sour-salty salad a refreshing touch of sweetness. In a mortar, smash garlic and chillies to a rough pulp. Add fish sauce, lime juice and brown sugar to make a dressing. Add cherry tomatoes, green beans and grated carrot; smash lightly to mix with dressing. Toss with corn kernels.
Toasted Corn Salsa
Griddle the cobs on a dry, ridged pan for about 20 minutes until lightly toasted and speckled with black. Cool, then shuck the corn. Mix with chopped fresh cilantro, red chillies or bell pepper, scallions, avocado, mashed garlic, salt and pepper. Toss lightly with a squeeze of lime juice and a little olive oil. Serve with pork or lamb chops.
Corn, Black Bean and Stone Fruit Salad With Cilantro
Midsummer’s fresh plums and peaches give this simple salad a sweet juicy goodness. Mix the fruit with fresh corn and black beans dressed with lemon, cayenne pepper and black salt.
Seafood and Roasted Corn Stew
Freshly roasted corn gives this light-tasting seafood stew with tomatoes, oregano, cilantro and white wine the extra body you want in a summer main course dish.
Jerk Lamb Corn and Fruit Kebabs
Jamaican jerk spices rubbed into the lamb add a Caribbean punch to any grilling. The allspice — key to Jamaican food — unexpectedly highlights the juicy fruit and sweet corn. Serve with a rum punch.
Colourful Corn Salad
This quick stir-fry using fruity extra virgin olive oil, fresh corn kernels, a colourful mix of chopped bell peppers and red onion needs only salt, pepper, cilantro and lemon juice to finish. Serve on a bed of fresh greens. — Zester Daily/Reuters
