5 Fresh Ways to Enjoy Corn

by Natasha Wolff | August 24, 2016 10:00 am

Can’t keep your hands off corn? We get it. It’s even harder to pick a favorite way to eat it — grilled, popped, baked or boiled. How is it possible we’ve discovered so many amazing ways to enjoy this bright yellow veggie? We’ve had 10,000 years to tinker with new corn dishes since the indigenous people of Mexico first domesticated maize[1], more commonly known as corn.

A summertime favorite at barbecues, picnics and street fairs, corn boldly holds its own in all different ways, shapes and forms. Check out these 5 different preparations to make your summer that much sweeter.

1. On the Cob

The Baja Corn at Mana Food Bar[2] in Chicago is a sure-fire way to spice up a simply delicious corn on the cob, with butter and a kick of chili lime salt.

Photo provided by Mana Food Bar.

In NYC, savor the flavor of Spanish spot Toro[3]’s Maiz Asado Con Alioli y Queso Cotija, which means made with alioli, lime, espelette and aged cheese.

Photo provided by Toro.

Fully coated in zesty spices, the Roasted Corn On The Cobb at Korean restaurant EsCaLA[4] in LA is made with queso cotíja and crema.

Photo provided by EsCaLA.

2. Baked into Bread

A true Southern treat, the Cast Iron Cornbread at Preux & Proper[5] in LA is topped with brown butter, blueberries and lemon curd ice cream.

Photo provided by Preux & Proper.

Heat up a summer night in San Francisco with a side of Warm Jalapeño Cornbread from Town Hall[6].

Photo provided by Town Hall.

3. Popped

Adding a flavorful punch to the bar snack favorite, Forbidden Root[7] in Chicago serves up a bowl of Gochugaru Chili Popcorn to sit back and enjoy with a botanic brew.

Photo provided by Forbidden Root.

Make a date for something sweet and spicy at A-Frame[8] in LA, with its Furikake Kettle Corn — a mix of corn pops, chili flakes, chives and butter.

Photo provided by A-Frame. Photo by Eric Shin.

A classic snack is made all the better at backbar[9] in Boston with its Spiced Caramel Popcorn — a buttery, sweet taste with a hint of heat.

Photo provided by backbar.

4. Flattened and Paired with Flavors

With endless uses for tortillas, Olé[10] in Boston gives us every reason to appreciate these flat and foldable corn-based bites.

Photo provided by Olé.

As crunchy vessels of salted goodness, corn tortilla chips are the perfect way to dip into all sorts of flavors at El Toro Blanco[11] in NYC.

Photo provided by El Toro Blanco.

Wrapped in a fresh corn tortilla, the Enchiladas De Mole Rojo at Playa[12] in Mill Valley are fully loaded with savory beef cheeks, charred avocado, queso fresco, orange and spiced pepitas.

Photo provided by Playa.

5. In Anything and Everything

Greek restaurant Kapnos[13] in DC mixes up a mean fava mezze which includes yellow lentils, corn and haricots verts (green beans).

Photo provided by Kapnos. Photo by Greg Powers.

A healthy dose of delicious lentils is made all the better at The Buffalo Club[14] in LA with its Lentil Cake topped with tomatillo and sweet corn.

Photo provided by The Buffalo Club.

Add sweet notes to a savory dish with a plate of Sweet Corn Agnolotti (a type of pasta made from flattened dough) at Graffiato[15] in DC, made with chanterelles, pine nuts, parmesan, chives.

Photo provided by Graffiato. Photo by Greg Powers.

A creamy and savory way to enjoy corn is at Kingsley in NYC, where the Chawanmushi with egg dashi custard, king crab, gooseberries, shishito peppers and sweet corn will satisfy more than just your corn craving.

Photo provided by Kingsley.