Grilled Southwestern Corn Food

GRILLED CORN ON THE COB

Steps:

• Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill over high heat (about 450˚ to 500˚).
• For the grilled corn: Pull off all of the layers of the green husk, except for the two layers closest to the kernels. Pull those two layers back without detaching them. Remove all of the thin threads of silk from around the kernels of the corn. Fold the reserved pieces of husk back over the corn kernels, leaving a couple of gaps of open space.
• Place the corn on the grill over direct heat, cover and cook for 5 minutes. Rotate each ear with a ¼ turn, cover and continue to cook 5 more minutes. Repeat 1 to 2 more times to cook all sides of the corn, 15 to 20 minutes total. Corn will become bright yellow and caramelized in spots when cooked through. Remove from the heat.
• For the garlic-chive butter: In a small bowl, combine the butter, garlic, chives, paprika, and black pepper. Mash and stir with a fork to combine.
• Remove the charred husks from the corn. Spread all over with garlic-chive butter, sprinkle with salt, and serve immediately.

SOUTHWEST CORN SALAD

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine the first seven ingredients. In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the oil, vinegar, sugar, chili powder, salt and cumin; shake well. Pour over pasta mixture; toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until chilled.

SOUTHWESTERN ROASTED CORN SALAD

Steps:

• Place the corn in a large pot with enough water to cover, and soak at least 15 minutes.
• Preheat grill for high heat. Remove silks from corn, but leave the husks.
• Place corn on the preheated grill. Cook, turning occasionally, 20 minutes, or until tender. Remove from heat, cool slightly, and discard husks.
• Cut the corn kernels from the cob, and place in a medium bowl. Mix in the red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and red onion.
• In a blender or food processor, mix the cilantro, olive oil, garlic, lime juice, sugar, salt, pepper, and hot sauce. Blend until smooth, and stir into the corn salad.

ZESTY SOUTHWEST CORN SALAD

Steps:

• Combine corn, tomatoes, bell pepper, and onion in a large bowl.
• Whisk olive oil, cilantro, vinegar, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and cayenne together in a small bowl. Add dressing to corn mixture just before serving and toss well.

SOUTHWESTERN-STYLE CORN SALAD

Steps:

• Combine corn, green onions, bell pepper, and cilantro in a large bowl.
• Whisk olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, cumin, and thyme together in a small bowl until well combined. Add dressing to the corn mixture and toss to coat. Refrigerate for 2 hours before serving.