As the long-awaited monsoon arrives in many cities, the allure of delectable rainy snacks cannot be far behind. Boiled corn, spiced to perfection, becomes an irresistible treat during this season. But before you indulge, let’s explore the ideal consumption of corn with insights from our in-house expert.
Khushboo Sahijwani Matta, a dietician at the Rejua Energy Center in Mumbai, highlights the benefits of corn. Rich in antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin, corn promotes eye health and provides an instant energy boost. Its fiber and magnesium content aid digestion, making it an excellent snack option for athletes and pre-workout enthusiasts.
However, Matta warns against excessive consumption. Sweet corn, in particular, can cause spikes in blood sugar levels, making it essential for diabetics and weight watchers to be mindful of their intake. Incorporating corn into salads alongside other vegetables can help mitigate insulin spikes, ensuring a healthy seasonal snack during the monsoon.
To satiate your corn cravings, here’s an air-fryer recipe for sweetcorn fritters from chef Meghna Kamdar:
Ingredients:
Boiled Sweetcorn
Finely chopped veggies (Bell Peppers, Coriander, Garlic, and Green Chillies)
1 tsp – Cumin seeds
1 tsp – Carom seeds
Salt to taste
3 tbsp – Gram flour
1 tbsp – Semolina (Suji)
1 tbsp – Rice flour
Spoonful of Water
Oil
Method:
Pressure cook sweetcorn until one whistle.
Coarsely grind half of the boiled sweetcorn and place it in a mixing bowl.
Add the remaining boiled sweetcorn and finely chopped veggies.
Add the spices and salt, then mix well. Add all flours.
Combine everything with a spoon, adding a spoonful of water (as required) to create a batter.
Brush some oil on a plate to keep the fritters.
Take small portions of the mixture and make fritters.
Place parchment paper in the air fryer tray, greased with oil.
Arrange all the fritters on the tray and air fry for 15-17 minutes at 180°C.
After 7-8 minutes, flip the fritters and brush them with oil, then continue cooking.
Serve the fritters with ketchup or chutney.
Another delightful corn recipe is Tandoori corn on the cob:
Ingredients:
Corncob
Hung curd
Spices: tandoori masala, red chilli powder, jeera powder, salt
1 tsp – Mustard oil
Lime
Method:
Boil the corncob in water until almost done.
Mix hung curd with tandoori masala, red chilli powder, jeera powder, salt, 1 tsp mustard oil.
Marinate the boiled corn cob in the mixture for 15 to 20 minutes.
Roast the marinated corn on the gas using a wire mesh until it acquires even black spots.
Squeeze some lime juice over the corn and serve it hot.
Sweet corn is versatile and can be enjoyed in various cuisines. Its sweetness appeals to both children and adults. So, this monsoon, savor the goodness of corn with these delightful and healthy recipes.