Summer

Fresh "Polenta"

August  1, 2011
4.7
3 Ratings
  • Prep time 15 minutes
  • Cook time 30 minutes
  • Serves 4
Author Notes

I got this idea from the brilliant writers of "Ideas in Food" - who commented on their blog a few years ago that really fresh sweet corn produces so many of it's own juices that you can cook the corn in them. I loved the idea, and it's become one of my favorite ways to eat corn in the summer - it has a lovely texture and the most intense corn flavor. Like polenta, I finish mine with a pat of butter and a little bit of grated parmesan. I also like to add roasted garlic and some chopped chives...but leave those out if you're looking for pure corn flavor. —Erin Jeanne McDowell

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Ingredients
  • 6 cobs corn
  • salt, to taste
  • lots of freshly ground pepper
  • 2 cloves roasted garlic, smashed to a paste (optional) (10 g)
  • 1 tablespoon butter (14 g)
  • 2-3 tablespoons freshly grated parmesan cheese (14-21 g)
  • 3 tablespoons chopped chives (optional) (9 g)
Directions
  1. Cut the corn from the cob, making sure to cut as closely to the cob as possible, cutting over a pot or bowl so that any and all juices from the corn are utilized.
  2. Stew the corn over low heat, stirring occasionally. The corn will soften, and the liquid will become thick. Add the smashed garlic and continue to cook until the mixture resembles the texture of polenta, 20-30 minutes.
  3. Season with salt and pepper. Finish with a pat of butter and a sprinkling of Parmesan. Stir in the chives, if using.
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I always have three kinds of hot sauce in my purse. I have a soft spot for making people their favorite dessert, especially if it's wrapped in a pastry crust. My newest cookbook, Savory Baking, came out in Fall of 2022 - is full of recipes to translate a love of baking into recipes for breakfast, dinner, and everything in between!

12 Reviews

AntoniaJames August 17, 2011
Love this! ;o)
wssmom August 7, 2011
What an amazing idea!
Panfusine August 1, 2011
Brilliantly elegant dish!!
Erin J. August 2, 2011
thanks!
mrslarkin August 1, 2011
Yum!
Erin J. August 2, 2011
i actually thought of you when posting this - i thought it was right up your alley!
mpittsm August 1, 2011
Looks great, I'll def try this one!
Erin J. August 2, 2011
let me know what you think!
Alexandra S. August 1, 2011
You recipe sounds delicious as well! I'll have to test out your cooking method. Yum!
Erin J. August 2, 2011
so glad you posted yours too! and i'm a sucker for anything with an egg on top - so your picture made me drool!
boulangere August 1, 2011
This looks heavenly, and I love the idea of stewing the corn in its own juices.
Erin J. August 2, 2011
thanks! it really is all about the corn, which is so great when you have the good stuff!