Healthy Meals With Corn On The Cob
Corn on the cob is a summertime staple that adds color and flavor to any meal. This versatile vegetable is not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients like fiber, vitamins B and C, and antioxidants. The best part is that it's easy to prepare, whether grilled, boiled or roasted. In this article, we will explore some healthy meal ideas that feature corn on the cob as a star ingredient.
Corn And Black Bean Salad
This salad is a perfect blend of savory, sweet and tangy flavors. To make this dish, start by grilling or boiling six ears of corn until tender. Once they cool down, cut the kernels off the cobs and mix them with one can of drained and rinsed black beans, one chopped red bell pepper, one diced avocado, and half a cup of chopped fresh cilantro. For the dressing, whisk together two tablespoons of olive oil, two tablespoons of lime juice, one clove of minced garlic, half a teaspoon of cumin, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to combine. This colorful and nutritious salad can be served chilled or at room temperature.
Corn Chowder
Corn chowder is a creamy and comforting soup that's perfect for chilly nights. In a large pot, sauté one diced onion, two chopped celery stalks, and two diced carrots in two tablespoons of butter until softened. Add four cups of chicken or vegetable broth, four cups of fresh or frozen corn kernels, one diced red bell pepper, and one minced clove of garlic. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 20 minutes. Remove half of the soup and puree it in a blender until smooth. Return the puree to the pot and stir in one cup of milk or heavy cream. Simmer for another five minutes, season with salt and black pepper to taste, and enjoy this rich and hearty soup.
Corn Fritters
Corn fritters are a tasty and crispy side dish that can be served with a dipping sauce like sour cream or ranch. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together one cup of cornmeal, half a cup of all-purpose flour, one teaspoon of baking powder, one teaspoon of salt, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. In another bowl, beat two eggs and add one cup of milk, one cup of fresh or canned corn kernels, and one diced jalapeno pepper. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry mixture until well combined. Heat up two tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Drop spoonfuls of the batter into the skillet and cook until golden brown on both sides. Serve the fritters hot and enjoy the crunchiness of the corn.
Corn And Shrimp Boil
Corn and shrimp boil is a classic Southern dish that's ideal for a backyard barbecue or a family gathering. In a large pot, bring eight cups of water, one sliced lemon, one sliced onion, two bay leaves, four cloves of garlic, one tablespoon of Old Bay seasoning, and one teaspoon of paprika to a boil. Add four ears of corn, two pounds of peeled and deveined medium shrimp, and one pound of small red potatoes. Boil for 10 minutes until the shrimp turns pink and the potatoes are tender. Drain the mixture and serve it on a large platter, garnished with chopped parsley and lemon wedges.
These are just a few examples of how you can incorporate corn on the cob into your meals. Whether you're a vegetarian or a meat lover, there's a corn-based dish for everyone. Not only is corn delicious and versatile, but it's also a nutritious addition to any diet. So next time you're at the grocery store, grab some fresh corn and give one of these recipes a try.
