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The Rural Voice, 1993-08, Page 44Sounds corny . . . but it tastes great There is little that compares to the delicious flavour of Ontario sweet corn. From the middle of July until frost hits, people can savour the farm fresh goodness of succulent kernels of corn. While we usually enjoy it boiled, then flavoured with salt and butter, there are other ways to use this deliciously versatile vegetable. SWEET CORN BISQUE 5 medium cobs sweet corn, husked 1/4 cup (50 ml) butter, divided 1 large celery stalk, chopped 1 large onion, chopped 1 medium clove garlic, minced 2 cups (500 ml) chicken broth 1/2 tsp (2 ml) salt 1/2 tsp (2 ml) each dried oregano, basil and thyme 1/4 tsp (1 ml) pepper 3 green onions, chopped 1 tbsp (15 ml) rice vinegar With sharp knife, cut kernels from cobs to make 2 1/2 cups (625 ml); set aside. In large saucepan, melt 2 tbsp (25 ml) of the butter. Add 1 cup (250 ml) corn, half of the celery, half onion and half garlic; cook for 5 min. stirring occasionally. Stir in chicken broth, salt, oregano, basil, thyme and pepper; cook, covered, for 10 min. Cool slightly; puree in small batches in blender or food processor until smooth; reserve. In same saucepan, cook remaining corn, celery, onion and garlic in remaining 2 tbsp (25 ml) butter for 5 min. Stir in chopped green onions, reserved puree and vinegar. Heat slowly. MEXICAN PORK AND CORN STEW 1 1/2 Ib (750 g) lean boneless pork, cut into 3/4 in. (2 cm) cubes 1 tbsp (15 ml) vegetable oil 2 medium onions, chopped 2 large cloves garlic, crushed 1 small green or yellow hot pepper, seeded and sliced 1 cup (250 ml) chicken broth 1 tbsp (15 ml) all-purpose flour 2 tsp (10 ml) chili powder 1 tsp (5 ml) dried oregano 1 bay leaf 40 THE RURAL VOICE Curried Corn and Lentil Salad packed in a whole wheat pita pocket provides a healthy lunch alternative. 4 large field tomatoes, cut into large chunks 6 medium cobs sweet corn, husked 2 medium zucchini, cut into 1/2 in. (1 cm) slices Garnish: Chopped cilantro In large heavy saucepan over medium heat, brown pork in oil for 10 min; remove and reserve. Saute onions, garlic and hot pepper in pan for about 5 min. Combine chicken broth, flour, chili powder, oregano and bay leaf; stir into pan. Cook, stirring until boiling and thickened slightly. Add tomatoes and pork; cook, covered for about 30 min. or until pork is tender. With sharp knife, cut kernels from 4 of the cobs. Cut remaining cobs into 2 in. (5 cm) cobbettes. Add corn kernels, cobbettes and zucchini to pan; cook, covered for about 5 min. or until corn is just tender. Serve sprinkled with cilantro. CORN RATATOUILLE 1 large onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 tbsp (25 ml) olive oil 1 large zucchini, cubed 1 small eggplant, cubed Half each red pepper and green or yellow pepper, chopped 2 large field tomatoes, chopped 1 cup (250 ml) sliced mushrooms 2 tbsp (25 ml) chopped fresh basil or2tsp (10ml) dried 1 tsp (5 ml) salt 1/2 tsp (2 ml) dried thyme 1/4 tsp (1 ml) pepper 6 medium cobs sweet corn, husked Garnish: Fresh basil or parsley In large skillet, cook onion and garlic in oil for 5 min. Add zucchini, eggplant, peppers and tomatoes. Cook, covered, over medium -low heat for 15 min., stirring occasionally, until thickened. With sharp knife, cut kernels from 4 of the cobs. Cut remaining cobs into 2 in. (5 cm) cobbettes. Add mushrooms, basil, salt, thyme, pepper, corn kernels and cobbettes; cook, covered for about 5 min. or until corn is just tender. CURRIED CORN AND LENTIL SALAD 4 medium cobs sweet corn, husked 1 can (19 oz/540 ml) lentils, drained and rinsed 2 green onions, chopped 1 cup (250 ml) chopped field cucumber