Serves 3
Level of difficulty 2.75
Procedure:
Use a knife to score the length of the cobs, as shown. A fork can also be used, and it will puncture multiple rows simultaneously, albeit not quite as precisely. Either way works fine!
The ears will lose a few drops of a milky liquid. Seal the corn in Vacuum or Ziploc bags. Corn has a tendency to float, so I use Lipavi racks to stand the corn upright–this minimizes the effect. The corn can also be weighted by utilizing an upside down rack. Process the corn sous vide @
183 F/84 C for 2 hours.
NOTE: This is a shorter interval than the typical 4 hour duration that I utilize. This is because the kernels cook faster when pierced!
Once the time has elapsed, cold shock the corn in cold or iced water to 70 F/21 C. Refrigerate to 40 F/4 C, or
Remove corn from the bags, and you will see there is no juice remaining. This surprised me the first time I saw it. If you look at the bottom right picture, you can even see the cuts down the middle of the kernels.
Cornbread with fresh corn:
Combine cornmeal, flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder. Mix well and add egg and evaporated milk (or fresh). Add Corn removed from one of the sous vide processed ears (see below). Bake in a shallow baking pan @
350 F/176 C.
Cut some cornbread into a small circle, proportionate to the other objects on the plate. Split it carefully, there are whole kernels of corn inside. Put a pat of butter inside, and put it back together. There will be lots left over to enjoy after assembly!
Corn Relish:
Corn, removed from one of the sous vide processed ears.
Roasted and peeled peppers, 4 oz./120g.
S+P, to taste.
Olive oil, a few drops.
Lemon juice, a few drops.
Sugar, 1 Tbsp/15ml.
Combine all ingredients and portion into very small cocottes–size proportion is very important to this dish.
I choose this opportunity to straighten up around the kitchen and catch my breath and my wits. We are almost done.
Make the Beurre Monte, if you haven’t already.
I use a cast iron pan with grates, but any thick bottom pan will work fine. If you want to grill the corn outside, you have my blessing! Try to achieve some dark marks on the corn, it will not scorch easily, and the caramelization adds eye and flavor appeal.
After marking all sides, put the corn cobs in a large bowl and coat with butter sauce. Remove the cobs to the middle of your plates, and arrange the other components around them, including just a few pieces of popcorn. Drizzle a little more butter sauce on the corn and let it spill slightly. Grind black pepper and sprinkle with kosher salt, and there you have it!
This is more than just some corn!
I hope you enjoyed this little demonstration, and urge you to try this method. If it works for you, you will have a terrific tableside story to tell your friends as they enjoy their meal!