Grilled Corn Seriously Simple
Diane Rossen Worthington

 

Grilled Corn Seriously Simple

---

One of summer's culinary high points is enjoying fresh, just-picked corn, with the husk still attached so you can enjoy its garden-fresh sweetness. I love to make corn salsas, puddings, and soups, but grilling the corn is what I do most. There are a number of ways to accomplish this.

Corn on the cob, grilled in the husk with chili butter, enhances the smoky-sweet corn flavor. Chipotle chilies are smoked jalepenos and are often packed in adobo sauce. It's best to add the chili puree in small increments to the butter until you find the perfect amount of heat. You can use the peeled-back husks to hold the corn or detach the husks and use corn holders or your hands. This method takes a bit of time but is definitely worth a try on your barbecue this summer.

Corn that has been husked (naked) is quick to prepare and tends to be sweeter since the corn kernels are grilled directly on the heat and become caramelized. Remember that husked corn cooks much faster than corn in the husk. Olive oil and a splash of fresh squeezed lime juice impart a complementary flavor. Each of these recipes is delicious in its' own way. Try both and see which you prefer.

Selection and Storage Tips:

-- Don't buy ears with gigantic kernels.

-- Look for fresh green husks and tender milky kernels that are plump and leave no space between the rows.

-- Store corn very cold and for only a short time, since it does not keep well and its delicious sugar will quickly turn to starch (an ice chest filled with ice will keep the corn at its best for a few hours).

-- If at all possible, eat corn the same day it is picked.

Grilled Corn on the Cob in the Husk with Chipotle Butter

Serves 6.

1 teaspoon or to taste, chipotle chili puree (see below)

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature

Salt

6 whole ears of white or yellow corn, husks left on

1. To make the chili butter: Combine the chili puree, butter, and salt in a small bowl. Beat together until thoroughly blended. Taste for seasoning. Add more puree, if desired.

2. Pull back the husks, being careful not to break them off. Remove all the silk inside. Soak the corn in a large bowl or sink full of cold water for 1/2 to 1 hour.

3. Drain and pat the corn dry. Rub with some of the chili butter. Replace husks.

4. Prepare the barbecue for medium-heat grilling. Grill the ears for 10 to 15 minutes, depending on their size, turning to cook evenly.

5. Remove from the grill and, using a potholder glove, remove the husks. Serve immediately with more chili butter, if desired.

Advance Preparation: The corn may be prepared 4 hours ahead through step 3 and kept at room temperature.

Chipotle Chili Puree

I keep this spicy smoky flavor enhancer in my refrigerator. Add it to dressings, sauces or anything you want to have an undertone of smoky heat. Transfer puree to an airtight container -- preferably glass, as the sauce tends to stain plastic -- and refrigerate for about a month.

Makes about 1/4 cup.

1 can (ounces) chipotle en adobo

In a food processor fitted with the metal blade process the chilies until totally pureed. Place in a air-tight container and refrigerate.

Advance Preparation: This may be prepared ahead and stored in the refrigerator for 1 month.

Grilled Husked Corn

Olive oil

Salt and pepper

6 ears Corn, husked and cleaned

3 limes, halved

1. Prepare the barbecue for medium-high-heat grilling.

2. Brush corn with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Grill the ears until charred in spots, turning occasionally to cook evenly, about 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer to a large platter and serve immediately with lime halves to squirt over the corn.

Grilled Corn Recipe, American Cuisine

 

 RSS

 

MORE RECIPES:   More Recipes ... ALL RECIPES APPETIZERS SOUPS PASTA SALADS MAIN COURSES SEAFOOD CHICKEN PORK LAMB BEEF / VEAL VEGETARIAN SIDE DISHES DESSERT HEALTHY WOLFGANG PUCK

Recent Recipes

 

More Recipes

Grilled Corn Seriously Simple

Copyright © 2012 Tribune Media Services Inc.