Recipe: Corn With Crème Fraiche, Lime, and Chili

Inspired by a street food offering in Sayulita, Mexico, this revisionist version is a great use for less-than-perfect summer corn or leftover grilled or boiled corn on the cob. An intense version of creamed corn, it makes a terrific side dish.

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Photo by stevelyon/Flickr CC


Inspired by a street food offering in Sayulita, Mexico, this revisionist version is great for less-than-perfect summer corn or leftover grilled or boiled corn on the cob. An intense version of creamed corn, it makes a terrific side dish. You can also use the crème fraiche, lime juice, and chile mixture instead of butter to slather whole ears of corn.

Or, for the authentic, impromtu Sayulita version (which would be fun to do for a summer party): cut the kernels off the corn, hot out of the pot or grill, put in individual bowls and mix to taste with crème fraiche, lime juice, salt, and chile. (For directions for making your own crème fraiche, see the head note of Homemade Butter).

If you happen to be cream-averse, leave out the crème fraiche; corn soars with the simple addition of lime juice, chile, and salt.

Makes four Servings

• 6 ears fresh corn, shucked
    • 1 to 1 ¼ cups crème fraiche
    • OR about 2/3 cup heavy cream plus 2/3 cup sour cream (see note)
    • 2 to 2 ½ tablespoons fresh lime juice, or to taste
    • A few pinches chile powder such as ancho, chipotle, or Pimenton de la Vera, to taste
    • OR one fresh serrano chile or small jalapeno, seeded and minced
    • Kosher salt
    • 1/2 cup finely chopped cilantro (optional)

In a large bowl, stand an ear of corn upright. Using a serrated or thin sharp knife, slice the corn kernels off the cobs, working from top to bottom and rotating the cob as you go. After the cob has stripped, use the back of the knife to scrape pulp and milk off the cob. You should have 5 cups of corn kernels.

Place the corn in a medium skillet saucepan or skillet and add a few tablespoons of water. Cover and bring to a simmer over medium heat, cooking a minute or two until the corn is barely tender and the water has evaporated. Stir in the crème fraiche and lime juice, and season with chili and salt; cook a minute or two longer until thick. Garnish with cilantro if desired. Serve at once.

(Note: If using sour cream, add the heavy cream as you would the crème fraiche above; when thick, turn off the eat and stir in the sour cream, lime juice, salt, and chile).

Sally Schneider writes The Improvised Life, a lifestyle blog about improvising as a daily practice. Her cookbook The Improvisational Cook is now out in paperback.