Summer is in full swing and the time has arrived for sweet Long Island corn. A benefit to living in this great place is the abundance of fresh corn grown on local farms, leaving the consuming up to most of the community.
I recently began receiving a local share of fruits, vegetables, dairy products and meats delivered weekly to my home. I have to say I am pretty excited to be receiving these local products. Fresh, organic, locally produced foods delivered straight to my door, I don’t think life could get any better in my kitchen.
This week I received some sweet corn along with a bunch of other goodies such as cow’s milk, butter, squash, carrots and a small variety of meats. My first instinct was to think of a tasty way to use the corn. Considering I had a bunch of dairy and some red potatoes hanging out on my counter I decided to make a simple corn chowder.
I know, you think I’m crazy. It’s hot and humid out, who wants to eat soup? Surprisingly the taste of the corn was so refreshing I didn’t even notice my hair frizzing up due to the humidity in the air. The sweetness of the corn along with the flavor of the fresh cow’s milk I used was simply unbelievable. Using fresh, unprocessed, organic ingredients can really make a difference in the way a dish tastes. It’s as if you begin to taste the true flavors of the food. So this is what this is supposed to really taste like!
I can’t help but say eating local and what’s in season is truly the way to go. Your body, mind and tastebuds will be at their happiest and the past of processed, not-so-local food will begin to disappear from your palate. If you can’t get yourself into a CSA (Community Supported Agricultural) share or aren’t sure you’re ready for one, do some shopping at some local farm stands.
Living on Long Island we are fortunate to have the abundance of local farmers who continue to provide the community with fresh, local, organic ingredients to keep our families happy and healthy. Spending the extra time or perhaps the extra dollar can make a huge difference in your kitchen and in the bellies of those enjoying your locally sourced home cooked meals.
Here you will find my simple recipe for corn chowder. Did I mention it’s gluten free? Enjoy!
Kayleigh’s Simple Sweet Corn Chowder
Serves 6
Ingredients:
3 cups of corn kernels
1 cup onion, small dice
1 shallot, minced
2 Tablespoons butter
3 1/2 cups whole milk
2 cups red potato, small dice
Salt and Pepper to taste
Parsley for garnish
• In a medium sized pot melt the butter on medium heat. Add the onion and the shallot. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Meanwhile, in a food processor or blender add 1 cup of the milk and 1 cup of the corn, purée until smooth.
• Once the onion and shallots have become translucent but not brown add the puréed corn, the rest of the whole kernels, 2 1/2 cups of remaining milk, diced red potato, salt and pepper to taste. Cook on a low simmer until the potatoes are soft, about 10-12 minutes. Stir in some chopped parsley and taste for seasoning. Serve immediately.
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Kayleigh Van Vliet Baig was born and raised in Riverhead, where she lives with her husband Tahir.
Kayleigh has been in the culinary industry for the last 12 years, working in kitchens on the East End. She also is a personal chef.
Look for In the Kitchen with Kayleigh every Saturday on SoutholdLOCAL.com.
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