GAIL MONAGHAN

COOKING - ENTERTAINING - LINENS

September 2022 - Caramelized Corn with Curry & Fresh Herbs

Gail Monaghan

CARAMELIZED CORN

WITH CURRY AND FRESH HERBS

About the Recipe

In September I gorge myself on corn in all its permutations. Corn puddings, corn souffles, corn salads and maybe corn on the cob best of all. 

My August Recipe of the Month was Succotash, but I can't let the 2022 corn season end without passing on my recipe CARAMELIZED CORN WITH CURRY AND FRESH HERBS. Sweet and savory at the same time, the dish is far, far better than the sum of the parts (even if two of the parts are super fresh corn and butter).

Beyond easy, this recipe incorporates my latest kitchen hack. No idea why I didn't figure this one out years ago: Corn in its husk can be cooked in the microwave. QUICK, no messy husking and no waiting for the water to boil while your summer kitchen gets hotter and hotter. 

CARAMELIZED CORN WITH CURRY AND FRESH HERBS

Serves 5-6

Ingredients:

  •  6 ears super fresh corn

  • 4 tablespoons butter

  • 1 teaspoon (or more to taste) West Indian curry powder

  • Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

  • 1 cup (or more) roughly chopped fresh mint or basil or a combination of the two

Method

  1. Microwave the corn in its husks on high for 8 minutes

  2. When the corn is cool (or cool enough to handle), Remove husks and silk. This will be MUCH easier than if the corn were raw. Cut the corn off the cob and if not using right about, store, covered in the fridge

    NOTE: This can be done up to a day ahead and refrigerated. Another NOTE: The sugar in raw corn turns to starch quickly. If you can cook the corn as soon as you get it, even if you're not using it for a day or two

  3. Melt the butter over high heat in a large skillet. Add the corn kernels and the curry powder and saute, stirring frequently, until quite brown in places. Some of the kernels will even pop. This will take 5-10 minutes depending on the size of the pan and the heat.

  4. When corn is deeply caramelized, add salt and pepper to taste and half the herbs and stir another minute or 2.

  5. Off heat, add the remaining herbs and serve hot or warm.

NOTE: Recipe can be made several hours ahead though Step 4. When ready to serve, reheat, stirring over high heat, complete Step 5 and serve.