Description
Homemade “Fresh Corn with Zucchini and Herbs” brings summer’s garden harvest to your plate with delightful simplicity. Crisp vegetables dance together, creating a light and refreshing side dish packed with seasonal charm and pure, wholesome flavor you’ll savor.
Ingredients
Scale
Fresh Corn and Zucchini:
- 4 ears fresh corn
- 2 medium zucchini
Herbs and Aromatics:
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives
- 1 clove garlic
Seasoning and Fat:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional)
Instructions
- Remove corn kernels from the cob by standing each ear vertically on a cutting board and carefully slicing downward with a sharp knife.
- Dice zucchini into uniform small cubes to ensure even cooking and consistent texture.
- Mince garlic finely to release its aromatic essence and distribute flavor evenly throughout the dish.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers and appears slightly rippling.
- Add corn kernels to the hot skillet, spreading them in a single layer to achieve golden caramelization and enhance natural sweetness.
- After 3-4 minutes, when corn develops light brown edges, introduce diced zucchini to the pan.
- Sauté the vegetables together for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning and promote even cooking.
- Season the mixture with salt and black pepper, tossing gently to distribute seasoning uniformly.
- Reduce heat to low and add optional butter for a richer, more luxurious flavor profile.
- Remove skillet from heat and immediately fold in freshly chopped basil and chives, allowing herbs to slightly wilt and release their aromatic oils.
- Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired, serving immediately while warm and vibrant.
Notes
- Cut corn kernels carefully to prevent losing precious juicy bits during preparation.
- Use a sharp knife and steady cutting board technique for clean, precise kernel removal.
- Choose fresh summer corn for maximum sweetness and vibrant flavor in the dish.
- Select zucchini that feels firm and has smooth, unblemished skin for best texture and taste.
- Caramelize corn first to develop deep, rich flavor before adding zucchini for perfect layered cooking.
- Gluten-free and vegan-friendly dish with simple, wholesome ingredients that can be easily adapted.
- For extra protein, consider adding toasted pine nuts or crumbled feta cheese as optional toppings.
- Quickly sauté vegetables to maintain their crisp texture and prevent turning mushy or soggy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 5mg