Is there anything better than corn on the cob, fresh as can be? The Juicy-Fruit market in Ravenswood, near our lake getaway, was selling three different kinds of sweet corn this week: Yellow Sweet, Peaches and Cream and White Gold. So much choice! We’ve already had two kinds in three days.
Of course, the classic way to prepare corn is to simply boil it. The Culinary Consultant is in charge of this preparation, and it always turns out so good. He brings a pot of water to a boil, adds the Peaches and Cream corn, and once the water is back to a boil lets it cook for three minutes. I’ve always cooked corn for 10 minutes, but I have to say, his way is better! The result is so tender and juicy. Served with just butter, pepper and a bit of salt, this is simple summer eating at its best.
Add a serving of black bean salad alongside, and you have an easy, healthful meal that won’t bog you down for the trip to the nearest town after dinner for ice cream.
This summer I’ve been experimenting with grilling spicy corn, and prepared some using the White Gold “triple sweet” corn for our first meal at the cottage. First, remove the protruding dry silks, then soak the corn, husks and all, in a large pot of water for about 10 minutes. Put it on the barbeque, still in its wet husks for another 10 minutes, turning once or twice. Then comes the tricky part — removing the husks without burning your hands (I hold the corn using an oven mitt, but you’ll need to find what works best for you). Return the shucked corn to the grill and brush on the pre-prepared spice mixture. Grill the corn for about another 8 minutes, turning as grill marks begin to appear. Sprinkle on the garnishes, and dig in!
Since I’d left my basting brush at home, I dribbled the spice mixture onto the cobs and then rubbed it around with a spoon. This technique is not to be recommended at all. For one thing, I couldn’t apply the mixture evenly, and for another it took too long and the spoon was too short to be holding over a hot grill, which led to cussing, thus marring the tranquility of life at the cottage for a brief period. A fleeting feeling of being pioneer-like in my virtuous ability to improvise in the absence of accustomed tools did not compensate for singed fingers. Moral of this story: use a long-handled basting brush!
I’ve made corn this way three times now, and I’ve learned it’s important not to over-grill it, otherwise the kernels can become dry. Corn prepared this way is still juicy, but there’s also caramelization, adding a sticky and chewy pleasant textural contrast. The spiciness of the rub works well with the sweetness of the corn, and the feta cheese and cilantro garnishes also complement and help mellow out the spiciness. The Culinary Enthusiast quite enjoyed the spicy grilled corn; it’s definitely a high flavour dish! While it’s a good change from plain boiled corn, I confess, the simple preparation will always be the one we associate with summer.
One more word of advice, regardless of the preparation you choose: don’t forget the dental floss!
Spice Mixture & Garnish for Grilled Corn
For six cobs of white corn, I used 1-1/2 – 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp chili powder, a good shake of cumin, pepper and salt, stirring it all together in a ramekin.
Once the corn is removed from the grill, sprinkle on crumbled feta cheese and finely chopped cilantro as a final tasty garnish that complements the spiciness.
There’s nothing better than spicy grilled corn.
You know, I haven’t tried grilling corn yet! This will be the recipe I use when I give it a shot… and I will buy a special basting brush! You’re a brave pioneer woman indeed 😀
I hope you like it, Barb! Brave, I’m not so sure, but definitely forgetful!
That’s beautiful corn and it always gets stuck in my teeth 😉
Oh, I can relate. Worth it, though!
I envy you the corn choices. Like you, I really enjoy corn every Summer. Unfortunately, this weekend was the first time the corn actually looked good. Up until now, the ears have been small and light weight, as if they were picked early because of the drought. Finally, the good stuff is in the markets. Although I’ve boiled and grilled my corn, I’ve yet to try a spice rub. Yours sounds perfect and is certainly easy enough to toss together — and I’ve got 4 ears of corn. Hmmm…
Glad you have some good corn now. Let me know how you like it with a spice rub!
It wouldn’t be summer without fresh corn from a farm. Your spiced corn sounds good. Love the last photo.
I couldn’t agree more, Karen — summer and fresh corn go hand-in-hand. Glad you like the photo!
I just wish our weather would cooperate BBQ-wise. I’d love to try that grilled corn!
Hope good weather comes your way so you can get grilling!
Your last picture is such an artistic display of corn! It looks so delicious, and I like your background too. I wish summer would last forever… 🙂
Wow, that’s a great compliment, Meg! I love summer, too, but I have a confession … I’m beginning to yearn for fall. I love the variety of the seasons (though I could do wth a shorter winter and longer spring!).
My girls used to joke (but of course they were serious) that corn was the one thing of hers their mother wouldn’t share! (Of course they got their own, but she’d have none of them trying to pilfer hers!) Corn on the cob, long a favorite! And these ways of preparing it look stellar!
We love our children dearly, but that doesn’t mean they get to have our corn! Sounds perfectly reasonable to me 🙂
[…] you’re making classic boiled corn or spicy grilled corn, why not make a few extra cobs for this salsa? If not, no worries — it’s no big deal to […]
[…] Corn, Two Ways […]
[…] your grill on with these Barbecued Baby Back Pork Ribs With a Sweet and Spicy Sauce. How about some Mexican-inspired grilled corn on the side? Make sure you have lots of serviettes and dental floss on […]
[…] Mexican-Inspired Grilled Corn […]
[…] […]