Sweet Corn Pot Rice: A Delicious Summer Delicacy
Enjoy the natural sweetness of fresh sweet corn in this aromatic pot rice, enhanced with a corn silk broth.
For many, rice is the ultimate comfort food. And when rice is this delicious, you might find yourself enjoying it on its own! As summer arrives, so does the highly anticipated fresh sweet corn. While delicious steamed or blended into a latte, it also transforms into a wonderfully sweet and flavorful rice dish. This recipe uses sweet corn and a broth made from corn silk to elevate the natural sweetness and add a nutty undertone, making it a delightful meal, perfect for boosting appetites during hot weather.
Pot Rice Ingredients- 2 ears of fresh sweet corn (kernels removed)
- Corn silk (for broth)
- 1.5 cups rice (standard paper cup measure)
- 2 cups corn silk broth (standard paper cup measure)
Seasoning Sauce Ingredients- A little soy sauce (for seasoning)
- A little sesame oil
- A little chives (finely chopped)
- A little soy sauce (for seasoning)
- A little sesame oil
- A little chives (finely chopped)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Start by preparing your rice. If using a mix of regular and glutinous rice, combine them. Rinse the rice thoroughly under running water until the water runs clear. For the best texture, let the rinsed rice soak in water for at least 30 minutes. This helps the grains absorb moisture evenly, resulting in softer, more flavorful rice.
Step 2
To make a flavorful broth, prepare the corn silk. Trim off any brown ends from the corn silk. Rinse it clean and place it in a pot with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil and simmer for 15-20 minutes. (If using organic corn, you can often use the silk without extensive washing). This corn silk broth adds a subtle sweetness and a pleasant nutty aroma to the rice, enhancing its overall flavor profile.
Step 3
Don’t discard the corn silk after making the broth! You can dry it and store it for later use in cooking or for brewing a healthy tea. It’s a versatile ingredient worth saving.
Step 4
Now, prepare the sweet corn kernels. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the kernels off the cob. Hold the cob upright and slice downwards. If the cob is tough to cut in one go, you can divide the corn into three sections and then cut the kernels away. (For organic corn, a gentle rinse is usually sufficient.)
Step 5
Don’t throw away the corn cob! It can also be added to the pot while cooking the rice to infuse extra flavor. It contributes to a richer broth. (Please note: corn husks and cobs are generally considered general waste, distinct from the edible kernels).
Step 6
Prepare your cooking vessel. A heavy-bottomed pot, like cast iron, or an electric pressure cooker works wonderfully. Spread the soaked rice evenly across the bottom of the pot.
Step 7
Next, arrange the sweet corn kernels evenly over the layer of rice. Distribute them so you get a good mix of corn in every serving.
Step 8
Carefully pour the prepared corn silk broth (2 cups) over the rice and corn. You can also add the corn cob at this stage for extra flavor. Cover the pot with a lid and begin cooking.
Step 9
Bring the pot to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and continue to cook for about 10 minutes. Then, turn off the heat and let the rice steam, covered, for another 5 minutes. A heavier lid is beneficial as it seals in the steam, ensuring the rice cooks evenly and remains moist and fluffy, reminiscent of rice cooked in a traditional cauldron.
Step 10
If using a regular pot without a heavy lid, you can place an extra weight, like a smaller pot or a heatproof plate, on top of the lid during the steaming process to help retain moisture and achieve a similar result.
Step 11
While the rice is steaming, prepare a simple seasoning sauce. Combine soy sauce, sesame oil, and finely chopped chives. This flavorful condiment adds a lovely savory note that complements the sweet corn rice beautifully. The vibrant golden hue of the corn rice is already appetizing, and this sauce offers a delightful contrast in flavor.
Step 12
And there you have it! Your delicious Sweet Corn Pot Rice, bursting with natural sweetness, is ready to be enjoyed.
Step 13
Scooping a spoonful of this perfectly cooked rice is a pure delight. The initial burst of sweetness from the corn is wonderfully balanced by the subtle, nutty flavor of the rice. It’s so satisfying, you might find yourself savoring it without any side dishes.
Step 14
While delicious on its own, pairing this sweet and savory rice with a side of kimchi adds another dimension of flavor. The crisp tang of the kimchi cuts through the richness, creating a wonderful contrast. The texture is also superb – fluffy rice grains interspersed with the delightful pop of corn kernels, much like traditional cauldron-cooked rice.
Step 15
The savory soy sauce, fragrant sesame oil, and fresh chives create a complex flavor profile that harmonizes perfectly with the sweet corn. This pot rice offers a delightful combination of sweetness, savory notes, and an enticing aroma. If you typically only eat sweet corn steamed, we highly recommend trying it as pot rice – it’s a healthy and fun way to enjoy this seasonal favorite. Beat the summer heat and rediscover your appetite with a bowl of this sweet, golden rice!
