How to Make Creamed Corn
**How to Make Creamed Corn: A Delicious and Comforting Side Dish**
Creamed corn is a classic comfort food that combines the natural sweetness of corn with a rich, creamy sauce. It’s a versatile dish that can be served alongside a variety of main courses, making it a favorite at family gatherings and holiday dinners. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make this delicious side dish from scratch.
**Ingredients:**
– 6 ears of fresh corn or 4 cups of frozen corn kernels
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup whole milk
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– Optional: 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper for a bit of heat
– Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese for added richness
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Corn:**
– If using fresh corn, shuck the ears and remove the silk. Stand each ear upright on a cutting board and carefully slice downward to remove the kernels. Use the back of the knife to scrape the cob to extract the milky liquid, which adds flavor to the dish.
2. **Cook the Corn:**
– In a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the corn kernels and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender and slightly golden.
3. **Make the Cream Sauce:**
– Sprinkle the flour over the corn and stir to coat the kernels evenly. Cook for another 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
– Gradually stir in the heavy cream and milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Add the sugar, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. Stir well to combine.
4. **Simmer the Mixture:**
– Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a little more milk to loosen it.
5. **Add Cheese (Optional):**
– For an extra layer of flavor, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and is fully incorporated into the sauce.
6. **Serve:**
– Transfer the creamed corn to a serving dish and garnish with freshly ground black pepper or a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color.
**Tips for Perfect Creamed Corn:**
– **Fresh vs. Frozen Corn:** Fresh corn is ideal for its sweetness and texture, but frozen corn is a convenient alternative that works well in this recipe.
– **Adjusting Sweetness:** The sugar in the recipe enhances the natural sweetness of the corn. Feel free to adjust the amount based on your taste preference.
– **Thickening the Sauce:** If the sauce is too thin, you can mix a little cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the mixture to thicken it further.
Creamed corn is a delightful side dish that pairs well with roasted meats, grilled chicken, or even as a topping for cornbread. Its creamy texture and sweet flavor make it a comforting addition to any meal. Enjoy making and savoring this timeless dish!
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