Toasted Sweetcorn Salsa

Toasted Sweetcorn Salsa Recipe from New Zealand - Ingredients: Sweetcorn, Red Onion, Tomatoes, Lime Juice, Salt, Olive Oil

Region / culture: New Zealand | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 8 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Toasted Sweetcorn Salsa is a delicious and refreshing dish that is perfect for summer gatherings or as a side dish for your favorite Mexican-inspired meals. This salsa is bursting with flavor and is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

History

The origins of Toasted Sweetcorn Salsa can be traced back to traditional Mexican cuisine, where corn is a staple ingredient. The toasting of the sweetcorn adds a smoky flavor to the salsa, making it a unique and tasty dish that is loved by many.

Ingredients

2 cobs of sweetcorn
0.5 red pepper, finely chopped
0.5 medium red onion, finely chopped
2 large firm tomatoes, skinned, deseeded, and chopped
2 tbsp chopped fresh coriander
2 tbsp fresh lime juice
a few drops of tabasco (optional)
salt and freshly ground black pepper
a little olive oil

How to prepare

Rub the corn cobs with olive oil.
Grill the corn cobs for about 8 minutes, turning them to ensure even toasting.
Allow the corn cobs to cool, then scrape off the kernels using a sharp knife.
Mix the scraped corn kernels with all the other ingredients.

Variations

Add diced avocado for a creamy texture.
Mix in some black beans or chickpeas for added protein.
Stir in some diced mango or pineapple for a tropical twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to grill the corn cobs until they are slightly charred for the best flavor.

- You can adjust the amount of tabasco to suit your taste preferences.

- For a more intense flavor, you can roast the red pepper and onion before adding them to the salsa.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Toasted Sweetcorn Salsa as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish, or as a topping for tacos or nachos. It also makes a great dip for tortilla chips.

Cooking Techniques

Grilling the corn cobs adds a smoky flavor to the salsa, but you can also roast them in the oven if you prefer.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can't find fresh corn, you can use frozen corn kernels instead. You can also use canned corn, but be sure to drain and rinse it before adding it to the salsa.

Make Ahead Tips

Toasted Sweetcorn Salsa can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the salsa in a colorful bowl and garnish with extra fresh coriander leaves for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This salsa pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, or vegetarian dishes. It also goes great with margaritas or a cold beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, simply microwave it for a few seconds or enjoy it cold.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Toasted Sweetcorn Salsa contains approximately 100 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Toasted Sweetcorn Salsa contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

This salsa is low in fat, with only about 2 grams of fat per serving.

Proteins

There are about 3 grams of protein in each serving of Toasted Sweetcorn Salsa.

Vitamins and minerals

This salsa is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe is gluten-free and dairy-free. However, it does contain corn and may not be suitable for those with corn allergies.

Summary

Toasted Sweetcorn Salsa is a healthy and flavorful dish that is low in fat and calories. It is a great source of vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious addition to your meal.

Summary

Toasted Sweetcorn Salsa is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for summer entertaining. With its fresh flavors and easy preparation, this salsa is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was hooked. The vibrant colors and fresh flavors of the Toasted Sweetcorn Salsa immediately caught my eye, and I knew I had to learn how to make it. I had always been a fan of Mexican cuisine, and this salsa seemed like the perfect addition to my repertoire of dishes.

I first came across the recipe for Toasted Sweetcorn Salsa at a farmers market in the small town of Santa Maria. The vendor, a friendly woman with a warm smile, had a booth filled with fresh produce and homemade salsas. As I browsed her selection, she offered me a taste of the Toasted Sweetcorn Salsa. The combination of sweet corn, tangy lime, and spicy jalapenos was a symphony of flavors in my mouth. I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make it.

I struck up a conversation with the vendor, asking her about the ingredients and techniques she used to make the salsa. She was more than happy to share her recipe with me, explaining each step in detail and even giving me a few tips and tricks to ensure the salsa turned out perfectly every time.

Armed with the recipe and a bag full of fresh corn, I headed home eager to try my hand at making the Toasted Sweetcorn Salsa. I carefully followed the vendor's instructions, roasting the corn over an open flame until it was charred and smoky, then cutting the kernels off the cob and mixing them with diced tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, and cilantro. A squeeze of fresh lime juice and a sprinkle of salt was all it took to bring the flavors together.

The salsa turned out even better than I had hoped. The sweet corn was perfectly complemented by the spicy jalapenos and tangy lime, creating a salsa that was both refreshing and satisfying. I couldn't wait to share it with my family and friends, who all raved about how delicious it was.

Over the years, I have made the Toasted Sweetcorn Salsa countless times, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my taste. I have added black beans for extra protein, avocado for creaminess, and even grilled pineapple for a touch of sweetness. Each variation has been a hit, but the original recipe remains a favorite among my loved ones.

I have shared the recipe with friends, neighbors, and even strangers who have tasted the salsa and wanted to know how to make it themselves. I have taught cooking classes, hosted salsa-making parties, and even entered the recipe in a few local competitions, where it has won awards and accolades.

But no matter how many times I make the Toasted Sweetcorn Salsa or how many people I share it with, the memory of that first taste at the farmers market in Santa Maria will always hold a special place in my heart. It was the moment that sparked my love for this recipe and inspired me to continue learning and experimenting in the kitchen.

As I sit here writing this, with a bowl of Toasted Sweetcorn Salsa in front of me, I am reminded of all the joy and satisfaction that cooking has brought into my life. I am grateful for the vendors, friends, and family members who have shared their recipes and knowledge with me over the years, helping me to become the cook I am today.

And so, as I take another bite of the salsa that started it all, I am filled with gratitude and a sense of accomplishment. Cooking is not just a hobby for me – it is a passion, a way of life, and a gift that I will continue to cherish for years to come.