random.cooking

Sign up for the Random.cooking newsletter

* indicates required

facebook logo
Vegetables

What is corn?

Corn, also known as maize, is a cereal grain that is widely cultivated throughout the world. It is a staple food in many countries and is used to make a variety of food products such as tortillas, popcorn, cornmeal, and cornstarch. Corn is also used as an ingredient in many processed foods and as feed for livestock. It is a member of the grass family and its scientific name is Zea mays.

How do you cook corn?

There are several ways to cook corn, including boiling, grilling, roasting, and microwaving.

To boil corn:
  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil
  2. Add the corn (with husks on or off, depending on your preference)
  3. Cook for about 3-5 minutes for tender and sweet, or 8-10 minutes for more mature corn.
  4. Drain the corn and serve with butter and salt.
To grill corn:
  1. Peel back the husks and remove the silk
  2. Brush with butter or oil, and season with salt and pepper, or any other desired seasonings.
  3. Re-cover with the husks, or wrap in foil.
  4. Grill over medium heat for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, or until tender.
To roast corn:
  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C)
  2. Remove the husks and silk from the ears of corn.
  3. Brush the ears with a little oil and season with salt and pepper
  4. Place the ears of corn on a baking sheet and roast for 15-20 minutes, or until the kernels are tender and slightly charred.
To microwave corn:
  1. Remove the husks and silk from the ears of corn.
  2. Wrap each ear in a damp paper towel
  3. Microwave on high for 3-4 minutes per ear or until tender.

Note that cooking times may vary depending on the ripeness of the corn and the size of the ears.

What are some good dishes that use corn?

There are many dishes that use corn as a main ingredient, some of which include:

  • Corn on the cob: boiled or grilled ears of corn, often served with butter and salt.
  • Corn chowder: a thick soup made with corn, potatoes, onions, and milk or cream.
  • Cornbread: a type of bread made with cornmeal, flour, butter, and eggs.
  • Polenta: a dish made from boiled cornmeal, which can be served as a side dish or topped with sauces, cheese or meats.
  • Tamales: a traditional Mexican dish made with masa (corn dough) filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables and wrapped in corn husks.
  • Elote: Grilled corn on the cob, seasoned with chili powder, lime juice, mayo, and Cotija cheese.
  • Corn fritters: small cakes made with corn, flour, eggs, and milk, that are deep-fried and often served with a dipping sauce.
  • Corn pudding: a dish made with fresh or canned corn, eggs, milk, and sugar, that is baked in the oven.
  • Grits: a dish made from ground corn, that is boiled and often served as a side dish with savory or sweet toppings.

These are just a few examples of the many dishes that use corn as a main ingredient. With corn being such a versatile ingredient, it can be used in many ways. From sweet to savory, from breakfast to dinner, corn can be a great ingredient for many meals.

Selected Recipes