Sweetcorn Parcels

Sweetcorn Parcels Recipe from Chile with Corn, Onions, Milk, Basil, Oil, Salt, and Icing Sugar

Region / culture: Chile | Servings: 6

Introduction

Sweetcorn parcels are a delicious and unique dish that combines the sweetness of corn with savory flavors. These parcels are a great option for a vegetarian meal or as a side dish to complement a main course.

History

The origins of sweetcorn parcels can be traced back to traditional Mexican cuisine, where corn is a staple ingredient. The idea of wrapping corn in leaves and cooking it over an open flame has been passed down through generations, resulting in this flavorful and satisfying dish.

Ingredients

6 large corn on the cob, with husks
2 onions
1 cup milk
4 – 5 fresh basil leaves
1 tbsp oil
salt (to taste)
string
icing sugar (optional)

How to prepare

Cut the corn kernels off the cob, leaving the leaves attached to the stalk.
Remove the sweetcorn from the cob.
In a food processor, thoroughly blend the sweetcorn and basil.
Set aside.
Select the largest and cleanest leaves from the stalk, and detach them.
You will need a total of 12 – 16 leaves.
Dice the onions and fry them in oil until golden brown.
Add the sweetcorn and milk to the pan.
Stir well and season with salt to taste.
Arrange the leaves in a cross shape, with one leaf in the center and two crossing over it.
Place a generous amount of the sweetcorn mixture in the center of the leaves and fold them up to enclose it, creating a parcel.
Secure the parcel with string, ensuring that the mixture does not leak out.
Place the parcels in a large pot of boiling water and boil for 45 minutes.
To serve, remove the string and open the parcel.
Optional: Sprinkle with icing sugar.
Enjoy! But remember, do not eat the leaves or the string.

Variations

Add diced bell peppers or jalapenos for a spicy kick.
Mix in cooked quinoa or rice for added texture and flavor.
Top with grated cheese before serving for a gooey and delicious finish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use fresh corn on the cob for the best flavor.

- Blending the sweetcorn with basil adds a fresh and aromatic element to the dish.

- Boiling the parcels in water helps to cook the corn evenly and infuse the flavors.

Serving Suggestions

Sweetcorn parcels can be served as a side dish with grilled meats or as a main course with a side salad. They pair well with a variety of sauces, such as salsa or aioli.

Cooking Techniques

Boiling the parcels in water helps to cook the corn thoroughly and infuse the flavors. Be sure to check the parcels periodically to ensure they are cooking evenly.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have fresh basil, you can use dried basil or other herbs such as parsley or cilantro. You can also substitute the milk with coconut milk for a dairy-free option.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the sweetcorn mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to assemble the parcels. This can help save time when cooking for a crowd.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the sweetcorn parcels on a platter with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a beautiful and appetizing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Sweetcorn parcels pair well with grilled chicken, fish, or tofu. They also go well with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover sweetcorn parcels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, simply place the parcels in a microwave-safe dish and heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of sweetcorn parcels contains approximately 200-250 calories, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal option.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of sweetcorn parcels contains approximately 30g of carbohydrates, making it a good source of energy for your body.

Fats

There is minimal fat content in sweetcorn parcels, with only 1-2g of fat per serving.

Proteins

Sweetcorn parcels provide around 5-6g of protein per serving, helping to support muscle growth and repair.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium, which are essential for overall health and well-being.

Alergens

Sweetcorn parcels may contain allergens such as milk and gluten, so be sure to check for any dietary restrictions before serving.

Summary

Overall, sweetcorn parcels are a nutritious and balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Sweetcorn parcels are a flavorful and nutritious dish that is easy to make and versatile to serve. With a balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals, this dish is a great option for a satisfying meal or side dish. Enjoy the sweet and savory flavors of sweetcorn parcels with your favorite accompaniments for a delicious dining experience.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated by its flavors. It was a warm summer day, and I was attending a potluck picnic with some friends. One of the guests had brought along a dish that instantly caught my eye – sweetcorn parcels. They were little bundles of joy, filled with a delicious mixture of sweetcorn, herbs, and spices. I had never tasted anything quite like it before, and I knew I had to learn how to make it myself.

I approached the woman who had brought the sweetcorn parcels and asked her for the recipe. She smiled warmly and told me that it was a family recipe that had been passed down for generations. She graciously agreed to share it with me, and I eagerly took notes as she explained the ingredients and method of preparation.

The key to the dish, she explained, was the fresh sweetcorn. It had to be plump and juicy, bursting with sweetness. She also used a special blend of herbs and spices that gave the parcels a unique and irresistible flavor. As she spoke, I could almost taste the delicious dish in my mind, and I couldn't wait to try making it myself.

Once I had all the details written down, I thanked the woman profusely and promised to make the sweetcorn parcels for my family. She wished me luck and urged me to enjoy the process of creating something delicious from scratch.

When I got home, I immediately set to work gathering the ingredients for the sweetcorn parcels. I bought the freshest sweetcorn I could find, along with the herbs and spices that the woman had recommended. As I diced, chopped, and mixed the ingredients together, I could feel a sense of anticipation building within me. I was about to create something truly special, something that would delight my loved ones and bring a taste of summer to our dinner table.

The sweetcorn parcels came out of the oven golden and fragrant, their aroma filling the kitchen with a tantalizing scent. I couldn't wait to taste them, so I carefully opened one of the parcels and took a bite. The flavors exploded in my mouth – the sweetness of the corn, the earthiness of the herbs, the warmth of the spices. It was a taste sensation unlike anything I had ever experienced before, and I knew I had found a new favorite dish.

From that day on, sweetcorn parcels became a regular feature on our family dinner table. My children loved them, my husband raved about them, and I took pride in knowing that I had learned to make such a delicious and unique dish. It became a tradition in our home, a dish that we would make together on special occasions and enjoy as a family.

Over the years, I continued to experiment with the recipe, adding new ingredients and tweaking the flavors to suit our tastes. I discovered that a hint of chili added a spicy kick to the parcels, while a dollop of cream made them even more indulgent. Each time I made the sweetcorn parcels, I would think back to that sunny day at the potluck picnic and smile at the memory of how I had stumbled upon this wonderful recipe.

As time went on, I shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, passing on the secret of the sweetcorn parcels to anyone who was willing to listen. I loved seeing their faces light up with joy as they tasted the dish for the first time, just as mine had done all those years ago. It was a small way for me to spread happiness and bring people together through the simple pleasure of good food.

Now, as I sit here reminiscing about the sweetcorn parcels and the journey that led me to them, I am filled with gratitude for the experiences and memories that cooking has brought into my life. It may be just a recipe, but to me, it represents so much more – a connection to the past, a bond with my family, and a love for the art of cooking. And for that, I will always be grateful.