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Simple in execution, complex in flavor, this is an easy weeknight skillet corn is a side full of flavor and versatile enough to work with whatever ingredients you have on hand.
This is a great summer cookout dish. It's super easy to make and can be eaten cold or at room temperature so it travels well.
I've made a version of this recipe many times over the years. It's always a hit with family and friends. I served it at a cookout during our recent summer vacation in Martha's Vineyard where we were able to connect with both old and new friends in what I can only say was one of the best familial experiences I've had in a long time. I use the term family broadly as it is described in Blood Orange's new video for the song "Charcoal Baby." As the narrator explains in the opening of the video:
"You ask me what family is, and I think of family as a community. I think of the spaces where you don't have to shrink yourself, where you don't have to pretend or to perform. You can fully show up and be vulnerable in silence, completely empty, and that's complete enough. You show up as you are, without judgment, without ridicule, without fear or violence or policing or containment, and you can be there, and you're filled all the way up. We get to choose our families. We are not limited by biology. We get to make ourselves, and we get to make our family."
Southwestern Skillet Corn Ingredients
- Fresh or Frozen Corn
- Peach
- Red Onion
- Garlic Cloves
- Avocado
- Lime Juice
- Olive Oil
- Cumin
- Chili Powder
- Salt
- Pepper
- Cilantro
Skillet Corn Saute Cooking Instructions
All ingredients are cooked in the skillet, so the recipe is really just about sequencing. Start with the garlic and onions on moderate heat.
Season as you go with the spices.
Before adding the corn turn the heat up to medium high for slight charring of the corn.
You'll want to add the peaches last. This allows you to cook them without breaking them down so much that they lose their crunch.
This is a great summer cookout dish. It's super easy to make and can be eaten cold or at room temperature so it travels well.
What To Serve With Southwestern Corn
Southwestern corn sauté is sweet, smoky, a little spicy, and usually lime-bright - so the move is pairing it with foods that are grilled, saucy, or creamy to balance that punch.
I like blackened shrimp, grilled jerk steak, and reverse seared pork chops work well as main entrees. For side pairings I like to add coconut ginger rice and Cuban black beans.
How do I pick the freshest corn on the cob?
When I'm at the supermarket I see shoppers meticulously examining fresh ears of corn. You ever wonder what they're looking for? I assume everyone has their own methods of picking the freshest, sweetest ears. Over the years I've gotten pretty good at picking the right ones, by following a few tips I learned from my farmer's market friends. Go with ones that have bright green leaves that haven't begun to wilt.
Pinch or squeeze the tips of the ears to test for full, juicy ears.; there should be some give. If they've already been shucked or covered in saran wrap, just skip and go to the frozen vegetables aisle.
What is the easiest way to cut corn kernels off the cob?
When you make this southwestern corn sauce recipe, try the following technique for a no mess, easy way to slice corn off the cob. If you bake a lot and have a Bundt pan cut an ear of corn vertically with the thicker end sitting over the hole of the Bundt pan. Don't worry if you don't have a Bundt pan, as you can create a makeshift one using two bowls (one small and one large).
Place the smaller bowl turned upside down inside the larger bowl. The smaller bowl will act as a base for which to set the ear of corn while cutting. Use a small, very sharp knife to slice the corn off the cob, turning the ear as you go.
Can I use frozen or canned corn in this recipe?
I prefer to use the corn cut from the cob, but when fresh corn isn't available, frozen corn is the next best alternative. Canned corn works, but obviously will not be as fresh. Be sure to drain well first if using canned.
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Southwestern Skillet Corn Saute
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3-⅓ cups fresh corn or 1 package 16 ounces frozen corn
- 1 peached pitted and chopped
- 1 red onion diced
- 2 garlic cloves finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ⅓ cup minced fresh cilantro
- 1 avocado pitted, diced
Method
- In a large nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium heat.
- Add garlic, half the cumin and chili powder cooking for 1-2 minutes just enough to infuse the oil with flavor.
- Increase heat to medium high then add red onions cooking for a minute. Add the corn; cook and stir 3-5 minutes or until tender.
- Reduce heat to medium-low; stir in peaches, salt, pepper, remaining cumin and chili powder, and lime juice. Cook 2-3 minutes longer or until heated through.
- Remove from heat; stir in cilantro and avocado.
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