Double Corn Grits

There’s nothing quite like fresh corn, especially just picked. Where I live in the Midwestern U.S., corn is a major crop, so it’s readily available and extremely inexpensive. So in the summer, I like to use it in as many ways possible. Some of you may live in areas where corn must be imported, so your choice of corn might be limited to canned varieties, which unfortunately do not compare.

I’m not going to say that canned corn is completely off limits in my kitchen. I have used it, but it’s just not the same, which isn’t surprising, because what is better canned commercially rather than fresh?

Today I’m making grits, which is essentially cornmeal or polenta, and adding cooked corn to it. I mean, why not? Fresh corn has a very different flavor from grits/polenta/cornmeal, so it will just add another layer of corn flavor. So if you love corn…

Double Corn Grits

3 corn on the cobs, husked
3 cups water
1 cup polenta or grits
1 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons butter
Cream or milk

Cook the corn on the cobs until done, about 7 minutes in boiling water. Drain and set aside to cool.

Meanwhile, pour the water into a medium saucepan or polenta pot. Heat to boiling, then whisk in the grits, salt, and butter.

corny2

Whisking occasionally, cook the grits until it has absorbed all of the liquid. This should take about 15 – 20 minutes on medium heat.

Turn the heat to low, and cook the polenta for about another ten minutes or so, adding cream as necessary as the polenta thickens. You will probably use about 1/2 cup of cream at least. The amount will depend on how coarsely ground your polenta is, which is why I’m not using an exact measurement. You will know when the polenta is completely cooked.

Cut the corn off of the cobs, then break the pieces up to get the individual corn kernels.

Then add them to the polenta.

corny

Stir well and taste for seasoning. For this polenta I kept it simple, but you could add cayenne pepper, hot paprika, ground chipotle pepper or ground ancho chile pepper, or just about any herb, fresh or dried.

I topped the double corn polenta with slices of filet, and sprinkled everything with fresh tomato, goat cheese, and a chiffonade of fresh basil.

note: If you’ve never made grits or polenta, give it a try. Grits are inexpensive, and one cup of the dried ground corn makes a lot of servings.

By Published On: August 15th, 201417 Comments on Double Corn Grits

About the Author: Chef Mimi

As a self-taught home cook, with many years in the culinary profession, I am passionate about all things food-related. Especially eating!

17 Comments

  1. Choc Chip Uru August 15, 2014 at 10:51 AM - Reply

    I am a big fan of corn anything so GOT to try this delicious recipe :D

    Cheers
    Choc Chip Uru

  2. chef mimi August 15, 2014 at 3:08 PM - Reply

    I have a corn dip on the blog that is pretty fabulous as well…

  3. Jody and Ken August 15, 2014 at 3:25 PM - Reply

    You know, this looks so great, I could almost skip the beef. Ken

  4. chef mimi August 15, 2014 at 5:40 PM - Reply

    Thank you. Great summer flavors!

  5. StefanGourmet August 17, 2014 at 9:45 AM - Reply

    I am not a big fan of polenta and fresh corn is only available imported here (the corn we grow is for cattle feed only?), but I do like this idea of double corn.

  6. DellaCucinaPovera August 20, 2014 at 1:39 AM - Reply

    Someone finally got privy to how awesome corn is in Holland – and its in abundance! Got so excited as it reminded me of a summer in Indiana. Congrats to your daughter!

  7. Peter - The Roaming GastroGnome August 22, 2014 at 10:05 AM - Reply

    That…looks…delicious!

  8. Karen Kerr, SPHR (@KarenHKerr) August 22, 2014 at 9:03 PM - Reply

    Oh Em Gee. Fresh corn to make polenta???!!! This looks amazing. I must try this!!!

    • chef mimi August 23, 2014 at 8:49 AM - Reply

      It’s very good! (If you love corn flavors!!!)

  9. chef mimi August 23, 2014 at 9:11 AM - Reply

    Just like you, it seems, I really like playing around with both polenta/grits and risotto!!!

  10. chef mimi August 25, 2014 at 8:09 AM - Reply

    Thanks! It’s really good, especially if you love corn!!!

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