Burnt food is every cook’s nightmare, but you shouldn’t be afraid of a good char. It’s a fine line, but charring sweeter vegetables such as corn or sweet potatoes builds flavor by introducing a bit of bitterness that balances their natural sugars.
To illustrate the point in this recipe from our book “COOKish,” which limits recipes to just six ingredients without sacrificing flavor, charred corn plays a starring role in a delicious savory-sweet side that’s perfect for potlucks or as a side to roasted or grilled meat.
Inspired by Andy Ricker’s grilled corn with coconut milk from his book “Pok Pok,” we toss corn kernels and Fresno chilies with coconut milk. Under the high heat of a broiler, the natural sugars and fat in the coconut milk speed the charring of the corn (be sure to use a broiler-safe baking sheet for this recipe). The tasty darkened bits lend complexity that keeps the dish from being too sweet.
Lime juice and zest provide two layers of brightness that pair naturally with the coconut. Whisked together they make an excellent finishing drizzle that’s bright, yet creamy. If corn is in season, cut the kernels from freshly shucked ears; you’ll need three large or four medium ears.
Oh my sweetness!
CHARRED CORN WITH COCONUT, CHILIES AND LIME
Start to finish: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
1 pound frozen corn kernels, thawed, drained and patted dry (about 3 cups)
2 Fresno chilies OR 3 serrano chilies, stemmed, quartered lengthwise, seeded and thinly sliced
⅔ cup coconut milk, divided
Kosher salt
½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
Grated zest of 1 lime, plus 1 tablespoon lime juice
Heat the broiler with a rack in the uppermost position. In a large bowl, stir together the corn, chilies, ⅓ cup coconut milk and 1¼ teaspoons salt. Spread evenly on a broiler-safe rimmed baking sheet; reserve the bowl. Broil until charred, 5 to 7 minutes. Sprinkle evenly with the coconut, then broil until deeply toasted, 10 to 20 seconds. Transfer to a serving dish. In the same bowl, whisk the remaining coconut milk, lime juice and ¼ teaspoon salt, then drizzle over the corn. Sprinkle with the lime zest.
