Gone are the days of corn rubbed only in salt and butter. This season, gourmands are spicing up the summer staple by topping it with a number of unique ingredients. Sweet, savory or smoky, who knew corn could wear so many hats? Here are a few deliciously "un-corn-ventional" recipe ideas.
Cinnamon-sugar: The sweetness of this seasoning goes surprisingly well with the crunch of corn on the cob. If served as a side dish, you might prepare chicken or lamb as the main course, two meats complemented by the flavor of cinnamon.
What you need
» Melted butter
» 1/4 cup granulated sugar
» 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
What you do
After you have baked, boiled or grilled your corn, coat it with butter and sprinkle it with the cinnamon-sugar blend, as much or as little as you like.
Guacamole: Corn is crunchy; guacamole is creamy. Opposites attract in this simply delicious recipe. For a tangy kick, top it off with a spritz of fresh lime juice.
What you do
Spread guacamole over cooked corn. Sprinkle with lime juice (optional).
Nutritional Yeast: Protein-rich nutritional yeast is a great ingredient to keep in your fridge as it can be added to a variety of foods, ranging from scrambled eggs to soups. Its flavor is often described as nutty and cheesy, making it a popular vegan cheese substitute - as well as a creamy addition to corn on the cob.
What you do
Sprinkle a pinch of nutritional yeast over all the kernels and enjoy.
Hot Honey: This recipe requires a bit of prep work, but the resulting spicy-sweet infusion is worth the effort. Besides, leftover honey can be stored for up to 3 months. If you're pressed for time, simply supplement by using a jar of hot-pepper jelly.
What you need
» 1 cup honey
» 3 chile peppers
What you do
Slice chiles crosswise and add to a small saucepan. Pour honey over the chiles. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-low heat. Reduce to low heat and cook for 1 hour. Remove from stove and let stand for 30 minutes. Transfer the honey infusion to a small jar, using a strainer. Drizzle the infusion over the corn. Before serving, allow the dish to sit for a few minutes so that the honey seeps downs into the kernels.
Smoky limeWhat you need
» 1/2 cup melted butter
» 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
» 1 lime
What you do
In a small bowl, combine butter, zest from half the lime and juice from the whole lime. Stir in the smoked paprika. Transfer the creamy concoction to a small bowl, allowing guests to butter their own corn.
Mexican street corn
Add some foreign flair to your summer spread by trying elote, also called Mexican street corn.A traditional Mexican recipe, the dish features corn grilled or boiled in its husk, then topped with a combination of condiments, which might include crema, cotija cheese, mayonnaise, butter, lemon or lime juice, chile powder and/or salt.Though recipes vary, this rich, authentic dish is famous for its creamy kick. But don’t take our word for it. There are a number of local restaurants that serve Mexican street corn. Try it at any one of the following spots.El MesonMexivillePoblanosTaco MamacitaTaconooga