Saturday, August 14, 2010

Cilantro Lime Corn


Corn seems to be my salad ingredient of choice this summer.  I seem to see enticing recipes everywhere I look and with our local Farmer's Market chock full of every color of corn I can't seem to help myself.  

Several years ago, when I actually worked at a real job (who knew that was so much easier than being a stay at home mom??!!), I drove through rows upon rows of corn fields in Woodland, CA on the way to my office.  On my way home I would stop at a little stand on the side of the road and pick up 10 ears for a dollar.  Usually these precious ears had been picked within the hour and were still warm from the sun.  I didn't know how lucky I was to have that little stand until I moved away and could only get corn in the produce section of the local Kroger.

Fast forward 15 years and I am back in California with endless Farmer's Markets to choose from and tables upon tables of corn.  While these ears have been picked a bit more than an hour prior, they are still crisp and fresh.  Todays market booty included a mixed bag of yellow an white corn from my favorite corn vendor at the Vista Farmer's Market.  His table was piled high with ears that we eagerly packed up along with a handful of other goodies (zucchini & mushrooms).  As we meandered on we discovered a vendor whose table was filled with numerous varieties of crisp and colorful peppers.  The sunny yellow and orange Fresnos, shapely poblanos and spicy jalapeños were added to our treasures.  Fresh, brilliant green, organic cilantro was found a few tables down and our salad ingredients were complete. 

Sometimes I am amazed how just a few ingredients can combine to become something so extraordinary.  Cilantro Lime Corn is just that, a side dish bursting with amazing flavor.  These 6 ingredients whip together in a flash and would be equally as delicious hot or cold.  The lime adds a delightful tang that ties together the poblano and corn, accented by the cilantro.  


All in all, I think I have to say this is one of the most successful recipes from our 2010 summer season!



Cilantro Lime Corn

3 ears corn, grilled
1 poblano pepper, grilled and chopped
1 Tbs butter
3 Tbs cilantro, chopped
1 Tbs fresh lime juice
1 small clove garlic, minced or squeezed
salt and pepper to taste

Husk the corn and lay on a hot grill, turning occasionally to obtain grill marks evenly over the cob.  Cut poblano pepper in half and grill along with the corn.  When done remove the corn and pepper from the grill, placing the pepper pieces in a plastic bag for 10 minutes.  When corn is cool enough to handle, cut the kernels from the cob into a medium bowl.  Add butter while corn is still hot and stir.  Remove peppers from bag and peel off the charred skins.  Chop the pepper pieces and add to the bowl.  Add chopped cilantro and pressed garlic, using more or less according to your taste.  Add lime juice, salt and pepper, and stir to combine.  Taste and adjust seasonings to taste.  Serve warm or cold.

23 comments:

  1. This looks GOOD! I might have to give this one a try later this week sinceI can easily pick up all the ingredients at the market! My husband loves spicy foods!

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  2. LOVE :-) I love grilled corn with bright flavors! Not sure if this is an Asian thing or what (because I've only known my family to do this) but we like to heat up some veggie oil with chopped scallions and add a little sugar and salt to it. Cook that down and then "smother" the corn on the cob with that. MMM MMM MMM!

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  3. That corn on the grill is giving me a midnight craving for roasted corn. LOL It looks so delicious. And cilantro/ lime combination...Yummmm.

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  4. Looks so fresh, simple and flavourful!

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  5. Looks delicious, nothing better than summer corn on the grill! Thanks for sharing!!

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  6. Wendy, it's an easy one!

    Thanks Hester, bright was the word I was looking for! That sounds fantastic!

    Anna, those midnight cravings can be tough... thank you.

    Angie, perfect description...

    Thanks Kristy! I'm in full agreement!

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  7. inspired to try fresh corn, not something that is readily available where i live, but will track it down!

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  8. Sheila... I think this would work just as well with frozen!

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  9. This salad looks stunning! I've been drooling over so many corn recipes lately, and this tops the list. I just found your blog this evening, and I'm glad that I stopped by!

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  10. I love all the ingredients in this simple and delicious dish. Farmers markets are so great have around.

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  11. What a simple and divine dish that you made. Love the flavor profiles - this is a MUST make! Great job!

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  12. Monet... I'm so glad you stopped by too!

    Lisa, I love my market. I'm submitting this recipe to the local newsletter!

    Lies (ASG) Thanks! I hope you like it!

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  13. Yum. That looks amazing. I love the farmers' market too, but wish ours was a bit more than it is.

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  14. Mom Chef... I'm SO lucky to have the markets that I do!

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  15. This looks extremely tasty!

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  16. This looks fresh light and totally edible. I am totally NOT a fan of corn in anything whatsoever, but this isn't like the corn was snuck in for a reaction it looks totally great! By the way, I made that mango salsa and it was a huge hit. :D

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  17. I'll have to try this, it sounds so good. I'm always trying to find new ways to fix vegetables.

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  18. This looks absolutely amazing! The colors are so vibrant and fresh! Gotta love summer!

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  19. I love the combo of ingredients here! Totally delicious!

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  20. The roasted corn and peppers look so good! I think you've just created the perfect summer salad :)

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  21. Lawyer... I'm pretty darn excited about it!!

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  22. Cilantro tastes so wonderful with corn! What a great summer dish!

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  23. Just came over to this post from one of your more recent ones and this looks really amazing! I have some corn ready to go right now and this recipe would be perfect!!! And obviously, I love cilantro. :)

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