Roasted Corn Blend: A Baja-Style Cooking Guide

Baja roasted corn blend is a delicious and healthy dish that combines the sweetness of corn with a variety of flavours and ingredients. It is a good source of fibre and contains monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, as well as alpha-linolenic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, and docosapentaenoic acid. This dish can be made in different ways, including grilling or boiling the corn, and can be served as a side or added to other recipes such as ramen or rice bakes. In this article, we will explore the different ways to cook and serve baja roasted corn blend, providing a step-by-step guide to creating this tasty and nutritious dish.

How to grill corn on the cob

Grilling corn on the cob is a delicious way to cook this vegetable and a great addition to any summer barbecue. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to grill corn on the cob:

Firstly, preheat your grill to medium heat. Pull back the husks on the corn, leaving just 1-2 thin layers and removing the end husks. Place the corn on the grill and cook for around 20 minutes. After this time, remove the final layers of husk and return the corn to the grill for a further 1-2 minutes, or until the corn has some charring. Remove the corn from the grill and allow it to cool before handling.

This method of grilling corn on the cob is a great base for a variety of toppings. For example, Mexican Street Corn is a popular choice, involving coating the grilled corn with a mixture of cotija cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, chile powder, and lime, before topping with more cheese. Alternatively, you could try a Baja Corn Sauce, which involves a similar coating of crema, cumin, chili powder, lime, and salt, topped with cojita cheese, tajin, and cilantro.

How to boil corn on the cob

Boiled corn on the cob is a delicious and easy-to-make summer side dish. Here is a simple step-by-step guide to help you prepare it.

Ingredients and Tools:

• Fresh sweet corn (as many ears as you'd like)
• Water
• Salt (optional)
• Aromatics like halved lemons, Old Bay seasoning, white wine, bay leaves, or garlic cloves (optional)
• Tongs
• Plate or baking sheet
• Butter, salt, and pepper, or other seasonings of your choice

Step 1: Prepare the Corn

Start by removing the husks and silks from the corn. Discard the green husks and thin strands, and snap off any long stems.

Step 2: Boil the Water

Fill a large pot with water and place it on the stove. Turn the heat to medium-high and bring the water to a rolling boil. You'll want enough water in the pot to fully submerge the corn cobs.

Step 3: Season the Water (Optional)

Once the water is boiling, you can add salt to taste. This step is important as it will season the corn and bring out its natural sweetness. You can also add extra aromatics to the water for an extra boost of flavor. Try a couple of halved lemons, a splash of white wine, or some garlic cloves.

Step 4: Boil the Corn

Gently lower the corn cobs into the boiling water using tongs. Make sure not to overcrowd the pot, boiling about 4 cobs at a time to ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Cook the Corn

Boil the corn until the kernels turn bright yellow and are tender. This usually takes around 3-5 minutes, but the exact time will depend on your corn's freshness and your desired level of doneness.

Step 6: Remove and Serve

Carefully remove the corn from the water using tongs and place it on a serving platter or plate. Serve the corn warm with your desired toppings. A simple option is to brush the corn with butter and season with salt and pepper, but you can also get creative with spices, herbs, or cheese.

Tips:

• The fresher the corn, the better it will taste. Look for corn with bright green, tightly wrapped husks and moist, pliable silks.
• When boiling, ensure the corn is fully submerged in the water for even cooking.
• If you want to keep the corn warm, you can leave it in the hot water for up to 30 minutes.
• Try different seasonings like compound butter, chipotle sauce, vegan ranch, fresh herbs, or chili powder.

Enjoy your perfectly boiled corn on the cob!

How to make the baja corn sauce

How to Make Baja Corn Sauce

Baja corn sauce is a delicious twist on the traditional Mexican street corn. It is a creamy, cheesy sauce with a burst of spice and flavour. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make it:

Ingredients

Firstly, gather your ingredients. You will need crema Mexicana, cumin, chilli powder, salt, fresh cilantro, lime, and tajin.

Preparation

Chop the fresh cilantro finely. You will need about half a cup. Then, juice the limes. Ensure you have about a tablespoon of lime juice.

Mixing

In a bowl, pour the crema Mexicana. Add the cumin, chilli powder, and salt. Whisk these ingredients together. Then, add the lime juice and chopped cilantro. Whisk everything together until well combined.

Serving

The sauce is now ready to be served with warm corn. Drizzle or brush the sauce over the corn. You can also add some crumbled cojita cheese, a sprinkle of tajin, and some extra lime juice and cilantro for a more flavourful experience.

Storage

The Baja corn sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat it in the microwave for about 30 seconds to one minute. It is best served warm.

How to dress Mexican street corn with baja corn sauce

To dress Mexican street corn with baja corn sauce, start by cooking your corn on the cob. You can either grill or boil it. To grill, preheat your grill to medium heat. Pull back the husks, leaving only 1-2 thin layers, and remove the end husks. Grill the corn for about 20 minutes, then remove the last layers of husks and grill for another minute or two until the corn has some charring. To boil, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Shuck the corn and rinse off all husks and strings. Place the corn in the boiling water and boil for 10 minutes.

Once your corn is cooked, plate it while it's still warm. Top it with a generous amount of cojita cheese, a squeeze of lime, and some chopped cilantro. If you like spice, add some Tajin.

To make the baja corn sauce, pour crema into a bowl and add cumin, chili powder, lime, and salt. Whisk together until combined. The sauce will be a pretty pink color. Drizzle or brush the sauce over the dressed corn.

You can make the sauce ahead of time, but don't combine it with the corn until you're ready to serve. Keep the sauce refrigerated.

How to store leftovers

Storing and reheating leftovers is a great way to save time and reduce food waste. Here are some tips on how to store and reheat leftover roasted corn blend to ensure it stays fresh and tasty.

Storing Leftovers:

• Let the roasted corn blend cool: Before storing, it's important to let your leftover roasted corn blend cool to room temperature. This helps prevent sogginess, as storing warm food can cause excess moisture build-up. Aim to get your leftovers in the fridge within 2 hours after cooking.
• Use airtight containers: Pack your leftover roasted corn blend into airtight containers. Make sure the lids fit snugly to minimize air exposure. You can mix all the components of the dish into one container or separate them into different containers, depending on your preference.
• Refrigerate for 3-4 days: Store your leftover roasted corn blend in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and safe to eat for 3-4 days. You can also eat it cold straight from the fridge if desired.
• Freeze for longer storage: If you won't be eating your leftovers within a few days, consider freezing them. Pack the leftovers into a sealed plastic bag or airtight container, ensuring the vegetables are in a single layer to freeze evenly. Label the container with the date, so you know when it was frozen. Frozen roasted vegetables can last for 8-12 months, but they are best consumed within this timeframe for optimal taste and texture.

Reheating Leftovers:

• Oven roasting: Preheat your oven to 425 °F (218 °C). Spread your leftover roasted corn blend on a baking sheet and place it in the oven for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through and slightly crisped.
• Pan-frying: For extra flavor, you can reheat your leftovers in a skillet or pan over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of butter or olive oil and fry the leftovers for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until crispy. You can also add extra seasonings to enhance the flavor.

Remember, it's best to only reheat your leftovers once to maintain their texture and quality. Enjoy your leftover roasted corn blend as a tasty side dish or incorporate it into a stir-fry for a quick and easy meal.

Frequently asked questions