Cooking with corn

[Vishenka69]

There are tons of recipies out there right now using curnels from fresh corn, but I have no idea how to get them off the cobb. Do I cook it (boil, grill, bake) first and then cut them off with a knife? Do I really need to buy a special tool to do it (I've seen some in catalogs)? Very detailed instructions are highly appreciated.

[steviem]

When I make something that calls for the kernals to be cut off the cob, I usually boil the entire cob for a few minutes first, to take the "starchiness" out. Once the cob has cooled, I simply hold the cob vertically (perpendicualr to the cutting board) and run my knife down the sides. The kernals come off very easily.

Good luck! :p

[LRL]

When corn is in season, I usually stock up for storing the kernels too. You don't need a special kitchen tool to get the kernels off, just a sharp knife. If you just run a knife down the side of the cob, you should be able to get all of them off easily. I always also take the dull edge of the knife (opposite side) once the kernels are off, run it down the sides of the cob again, and make sure that I get the heart of the kernel off the cob, which can happen if you don't cut close enough to the cob. (That is the tasiest part I think).

I always save them raw so that they last longer and I can prepare them in different ways- you may want to parboil, but I think corn cooks fast enough to not have to save it any other way than raw. Once I get all the kernels off, I store them in ziploc bags in the fridge or freezer, depending on when I am going to use them. You can then take them out and easily saute or add to soups or salads.

HTH! :)

[Vishenka69]

Thanks girls. I'll try both methods, just to see which one works better for me. Looking forward to a couple of corn salads this weekend.

[steviem]

Speaking of corn salad, I have a GREAT recipe :D

Boil 6 ears of corn for 3 minutes. Drain and place cobs into ice water to chill.
Cut kernels off the cob.
Finely chop 1 small/medium red onion
Finely chop fresh cilantro or fresh basil (I think cilantro tastes better)
Mix corn, onion and cilantro (or basil) together
Add salt and pepper
Drizzle olive oil over the top
Drizzle apple cider vinegar over top
Mix all together and serve

It is sooooo good and tastes best when you let it sit for a while before serving so all the flavors can "meld" together.

Enjoy!

[lawyerlee]

That recipe sounds *awesome*! I've got some fresh corn right now, so I'm definitely making that salad. I'm so glad I read this before I go to the store! :D

[mom_to_zoe]

I believe in cooking corn as close to the time it is picked as possible, so what I do is buy corn from the farmer's market to eat that night on the cob and some extra ears for salads -- we are kind of corn fanatics in my house. I cook all over the ears that same day. To cut kernels off the cob. I put the ear straight up and down in a deep bowl and run a sharp, wide knife down the side. It is very easy.

And to reward your efforts, here is a recipe for an easy and delicious corn relish. Mix the kernels from several ears of corn with diced red onion and sliced cherry or grape tomatoes. Add chopped cilantro. Mix olive oil, fresh lime juice, a pinch of sugar, a dash of Tabasco, and salt and pepper to taste and pour over veggies. Delish!

[lawyerlee]

Speaking of corn salad, I have a GREAT recipe :D

Boil 6 ears of corn for 3 minutes. Drain and place cobs into ice water to chill.
Cut kernels off the cob.
Finely chop 1 small/medium red onion
Finely chop fresh cilantro or fresh basil (I think cilantro tastes better)
Mix corn, onion and cilantro (or basil) together
Add salt and pepper
Drizzle olive oil over the top
Drizzle apple cider vinegar over top
Mix all together and serve

It is sooooo good and tastes best when you let it sit for a while before serving so all the flavors can "meld" together.

Enjoy!
I made your recipe this weekend, and we loved it! :)

[steviem]

lawyerlee,

I'm glad you liked it! It is so good.... I think I need to make it again as well. :D