How to Make Creamed Corn from Fresh Corn

Creamed corn is a delicious side dish that is both savory and sweet. It’s the perfect addition to any meal, and it’s also incredibly easy to make at home. If you have fresh corn on hand, there’s no need to reach for the canned stuff – making creamed corn from scratch is a breeze. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process step by step so that you can enjoy this classic dish in no time.

The key to making great creamed corn is to start with fresh, ripe ears of corn. You’ll also need a few other simple ingredients like butter, salt, pepper, and heavy cream. With these basic ingredients, you’ll be able to create a rich and flavorful side dish that will impress your guests and please your taste buds. So, let’s get started!

Choosing the Right Corn for Creamed Corn

When it comes to making creamed corn from scratch, the most important ingredient is fresh corn. You can use either yellow or white corn, depending on your preference. Here are some tips to help you choose the right corn for your creamed corn:

Look for Fresh Corn

When you’re shopping for corn, look for ears that are firm and have bright, green husks. The kernels should be plump and tightly packed together. To test for freshness, gently press a kernel with your fingernail. If it releases a milky liquid, the corn is fresh.

Avoid Corn with Brown Spots

Avoid corn with brown spots on the husks or silk. This is a sign of over-mature corn that may be tough or dry. Similarly, avoid corn with partially opened husks or dried-out silk, as this is another indication of old corn.

Bigger Is Not Always Better

While some people assume that bigger ears of corn are better, this is not always the case. In fact, smaller ears of corn are often sweeter and more tender than larger ears.

Consider the Variety

There are many different varieties of corn available, each with its own unique flavor. If you’re looking for a sweet and tender corn for creamed corn, consider varieties like Silver Queen or Peaches and Cream.

Freshness Is Key

Regardless of the variety you choose, the most important factor in making creamed corn is freshness. The fresher the corn, the sweeter and more flavorful your creamed corn will be.

Choose Organic Corn, If Possible

If possible, choose organic corn for your creamed corn. Organic corn is grown without pesticides, herbicides, or synthetic fertilizers, which means you’ll be getting a cleaner, healthier product.

Consider the Season

Finally, consider the season when choosing your corn. Corn is at its peak in late summer and early fall, so this is the best time to make creamed corn from scratch. If you’re making creamed corn in the off-season, consider using frozen or canned corn instead.

The Bottom Line

When it comes to making creamed corn from scratch, choosing the right corn is crucial. By following these tips, you’ll be able to select the freshest, sweetest corn for your creamed corn and ensure a delicious dish that your family will love.

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Section 2: Preparing the Fresh Corn

1. Shuck the Corn

The first step in making creamed corn from fresh corn is to shuck the corn. This means removing the husks and silk from each ear of corn. To do this, hold the corn upright on its base and remove the outer husks in a downward motion, taking care not to damage the kernels. Use a small brush or your fingers to remove the silk. Rinse the corn under running water to remove any remaining silk.

2. Cut the Kernels

Once the corn has been shucked, use a sharp knife to cut the kernels off the cob. Hold the ear of corn firmly in one hand and use the other hand to slice downwards along the length of the cob, cutting off the kernels in long strips. Repeat this process around the entire cob until all the kernels have been removed.

3. Scrape the Cob

After cutting the kernels off, use the back of the knife or a spoon to scrape any remaining bits of kernel and milky liquid from the cob. This is known as milking the cob and helps to extract more flavor and creaminess into the dish.

4. Blanche the Corn

To give the creamed corn a tender texture, blanche the kernels in boiling water for 2-3 minutes. This will also help to remove any leftover silk that may have been missed during the shucking process. Once blanched, immediately transfer the corn into an ice bath to stop the cooking process and retain the bright yellow color.

5. Drain the Kernel

After blanching, draining the corn is necessary to avoid any extra water that can ruin the taste and texture of the creamed corn. Use a colander to drain the corn and shake it gently so that all the water is removed.

6. Heat the Butter

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Swirl the pan until the butter completely melts. Don’t overheat the butter, it should bubble slightly but not brown.

7. Add the Flour

Next, sprinkle the flour over the melted butter and whisk it until it becomes a smooth paste. Cook it for around two minutes to help remove the raw flour taste. Be sure to stir continuously to avoid burning.

8. Gradually add the Milk

Slowly pour the milk into the pan, stirring continuously with a whisk to avoid lumps. Gradually add more milk until it thickens to a creamy texture. You can use whole milk, half-and-half, or heavy cream depending on your preference. For a richer texture, use heavy cream.

9. Combine the Cream and Corn

Now it’s time to add the corn to the creamy mixture. Stir the blanched corn kernels into the skillet and let it cook for around 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture starts to thicken.

10. Season Your Creamed Corn

After the creamed corn has finished cooking, it’s important to season it with a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance the flavors. Add some chopped parsley or chives on top to make it more attractive and flavorful. Do a taste test and adjust the seasoning if needed. Congratulations, your creamed corn is now ready to serve! Serve it as a side dish or enjoy it as a delicious snack.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Creamed Corn from Fresh Corn

Now that you have all the necessary ingredients for making creamy corn from scratch, let’s walk through the easy steps you need to take to achieve the perfect combination of sweet and creamy.

Step 1: Prepare the Fresh Corn

Start by shucking the corn and using a sharp knife to remove the kernels from the cob. For this recipe, you’ll need about 6 ears of corn to get 4 cups of kernels. You can also use canned corn if fresh corn is not available, but fresh corn is always the best option.

Step 2: Cook the Corn

Once you have all your corn kernels, add them to a large saucepan or pot, and cover them with water. Bring to a boil, and let them cook until tender for about 6-8 minutes.

Step 3: Make the Cream Sauce

While the corn is cooking, we can move on to the cream sauce. Start by melting the butter in a separate saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk together, forming a roux. Gradually stir in the heavy cream, and continue whisking until the mixture thickens.

Step 4: Combine Corn and Cream Sauce

Once the corn is cooked, remove it from the heat and drain any excess water. Then add the corn to the cream sauce mixture, stir well, and add the salt, pepper, and sugar for added flavor.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Finally, it’s time to taste your delicious homemade creamed corn. Serve immediately in a bowl, garnish with chopped parsley or green onions for added color and flavor, and enjoy it as a side dish to your favorite meal or on its own.

Making creamed corn from fresh corn is a quick and easy way to create a delicious side dish that pairs well with many meals. It’s also a great way to use up any leftover fresh corn you may have. With this step-by-step guide, you can create a creamy corn dish that will satisfy everyone’s taste buds. So what are you waiting for? Get cooking!

Enjoy your Delicious Creamed Corn

Now that you know how to make creamed corn from fresh corn, you can surprise your family or friends with a delicious side dish that they will surely love. Don’t forget to add your own twist to the recipe to make it even more delicious. Thanks for reading this article, we hope you enjoyed it! Keep coming back for more exciting tips and tricks on cooking and make your everyday life feel like a winning game.