Elevate Your Summer Corn: The Ultimate 3-Ingredient Chili Butter Recipe
A simple 3-ingredient chili butter transforms an ordinary cob of corn into an unforgettable end-of-summer celebration. Imagine the warmth and spice melting into every crevice between the sweet, plump kernels, enveloping the cob in a rich, flavourful embrace. This isn’t just butter; it’s an experience that demands attention – and perhaps a pile of napkins. Get ready to discover your new favourite way to enjoy corn on the cob! (Skip to recipe.)
There’s a special kind of joy that heralds the arrival of late summer: the sight of cornstalks standing proudly in the garden, their feather-headed tassels swaying gently, signaling that the cobs beneath are plump, firm, and finally ripe for the picking. It’s a moment of pure bliss for many, including my beloved dog, Pippa, and myself. She’s an absolute connoisseur of corn (among other garden delights like carrots, peas, and raspberries – truly, she’s an omnivore with excellent taste!), and I’m equally enthusiastic, especially when the corn moves directly from our organic garden to the simmering pot.
Sometimes, the journey from garden to table is even shorter – straight from the stalk to my mouth!
I proudly consider myself a true garden eater. There’s an unparalleled joy in standing amidst the vibrant greenery, plucking a fresh cob, and biting directly into its sweet, raw kernels. Each bite releases a burst of milky sweetness, a simple pleasure that defines the harvest season. While Pippa tackles her corn cobs with unbridled enthusiasm, bits and pieces flying in every direction, I like to think I approach my garden-fresh snack with a touch more decorum and restraint, savoring each succulent kernel.
If you haven’t experienced the sheer delight of a cob of corn picked just minutes before eating, you are truly missing out on one of life’s most exquisite culinary pleasures. The difference in sweetness and tenderness between garden-fresh corn and even the best store-bought varieties is astounding. It’s a taste that instantly transports you to sunny fields and lazy summer days.
However, if immediate garden access isn’t an option, the next best thing is a steaming cob of golden corn (or two!) fresh from the pot, ideally not long removed from its stalk. Nothing encapsulates the abundance of a late-summer harvest quite like biting into that sweet, crisp corn, with melted butter dripping down your chin. Now, elevate that experience: imagine a vibrant, zippy, and deeply flavourful chili butter generously coating each kernel. That, my friends, is a taste of pure summer heaven. The smoky, subtly spicy notes of the chili butter provide a perfect counterpoint to the inherent sweetness of the corn, creating a dynamic flavour profile that will leave you craving more.
This remarkable chili butter is not just incredibly delicious; it’s also astonishingly quick to prepare, requiring only three simple ingredients. Its magic lies in its ability to transform a humble cob of corn into something truly special. Slather it generously onto a hot, freshly cooked corn cob, allowing the butter’s warmth and spice to create an exquisite contrast with the corn’s natural sweetness. This simple addition turns corn on the cob from a side dish into a star attraction. Just be sure to have an ample supply of napkins within arm’s reach – this buttery, flavourful goodness tends to be wonderfully messy.
Corn that tastes this good often deserves to be savored as its own course, a testament to its simple perfection.
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Kitchen Frau Notes: The beauty of this chili butter recipe extends far beyond just corn. It’s incredibly versatile, and I highly recommend whipping up a larger batch to keep on hand in your fridge. It stays fresh for a couple of weeks, ready to elevate countless dishes. Think beyond the cob: melt a spoonful over loose corn kernels for a quick side, use it as a compound butter to top a perfectly grilled steak or a juicy burger, spread it on toasted burger buns or sandwiches for an extra kick, or swirl it into mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or other cooked vegetables like green beans or asparagus. It’s also fantastic on baked potatoes, giving them an instant gourmet touch. This flavour-packed butter is a secret weapon for effortlessly adding depth and excitement to everyday meals.
It’s important to clarify the term “chili powder,” as it can vary by region. In North America, chili powder typically refers to a seasoning blend—a mix of ground dried chilis, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, and sometimes other spices, commonly used for dishes like chili con carne. In contrast, in some other countries, “chili powder” might simply mean ground, dried hot chili peppers, similar to cayenne pepper. For this particular recipe, we are definitely using the North American seasoning blend to achieve that rich, complex flavour profile.
Corn on the Cob with Chili Butter
- 4 cobs of fresh corn, shucked
- ¼ cup (115gms) soft butter
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (the seasoning blend), homemade or purchased
- ¼ teaspoon garlic salt or onion salt
Instructions:
1. Prepare your corn: Start by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil. While the water heats up, ensure your fresh corn cobs are shucked and cleaned of any silk.
2. Cook the corn: Once the water is boiling vigorously, carefully add the peeled corn cobs. Cover the pot and allow the water to return to a boil. Cook for three to five minutes; smaller cobs will be perfectly tender in 3 minutes, while larger cobs may need up to 5 minutes. If your corn is truly garden-fresh, just two minutes of cooking time is all it needs to preserve its crisp texture and vibrant sweetness. Use tongs to gently remove the cooked corn cobs and arrange them on a warm serving platter.
3. Make the chili butter: While the corn is cooking, take a small bowl and combine the soft butter, chili powder (remember, the seasoning blend!), and either garlic salt or onion salt. Stir these ingredients together thoroughly until they are well blended and form a smooth, flavourful butter mixture.
4. Serve and enjoy: Serve the hot, steaming corn cobs immediately with generous dollops of the freshly made chili butter. Encourage guests to slather it on themselves! For those who love an extra kick or prefer their corn a bit saltier, offer additional salt and freshly ground pepper on the side. And don’t forget the essential accompaniment: a stack of napkins, because this deliciousness is meant to be savored messily!
Serves 4. This recipe is easily scalable; simply adjust the number of corn cobs and butter ingredients accordingly for larger gatherings.
Guten Appetit!
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