Street Corn all'Italiana

A Twist of Flavor for Your Summer Corn

No summer is complete without the tantalizing aroma of fresh, sweet corn wafting through the air, along with the satisfying crunch that delights our senses. While traditional butter-drenched corn holds a special place in our hearts, there's something enchanting about stepping up your corn game with a dash of creativity. This season, we're taking a delicious detour to the streets of Italy and infusing the classic street corn with Mediterranean flair. Brace yourselves for a culinary adventure as we say hello to Street Corn all'Italiana!! 🌽🇮🇹

The Corn Connection

Let's start with the star of the show - the corn! A staple of street food culture, corn on the cob's natural sweetness provides the perfect canvas for a burst of Italian flavors. Grilled to perfection, each bite promises that signature smoky char that'll have you reminiscing about evenings spent wandering the charming streets of Italy.

Pesto Aioli Magic:

Ah, pesto - the vibrant green elixir that transforms ordinary dishes into extraordinary ones. In our Street Corn all'Italiana, we're taking things up a notch by blending traditional pesto with creamy aioli. The result? A harmonious marriage of fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, and a rich aioli that'll have you smearing, dipping, and savoring every moment.

Parmigiano Perfection:

Speaking of Parmesan, it's time to introduce the superstar of Italian cheeses: Parmigiano Reggiano. Aged to perfection, this nutty and salty wonder lends a delightful crunch and an explosion of umami to your street corn adventure. Each sprinkle is like a burst of confetti celebrating your love for food!

 

 

Crafting Your Street Corn all'Italiana

Gather Your Ingredients: Grab the freshest corn on the cob you can find, basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil, mayonnaise, lemons, and of course, a hunk of glorious, imported Parmigiano Reggiano. (complete ingredients/instructions below)

Whip Up the Pesto Aioli: In a food processor, blend basil, pine nuts, garlic, and olive oil until you have a fragrant pesto. In a separate bowl, add mayonnaise and slowly incorporate the pesto, creating a luscious aioli. Add a squeeze of lemon juice to balance the flavors.

Grill in Style: Grill your corn on the cob until it's kissed by those beautiful grill marks. You'll hear that satisfying sizzle as the flavors deepen.

Slather and Sprinkle: Generously brush each cob with your pesto aioli, ensuring every inch is coated in that rich goodness. Then, get ready to let the Parmigiano Reggiano snowfall over your creation.

  

Recipe: Street Corn all'Italiana with Pesto Aioli and

Grated Parmigiano Reggiano

Ingredients:

• Fresh corn on the cob (yellow or white)
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Method:

1. Preparation: Gently peel back the husks of the corn, without removing them completely. Remove the silk threads, then carefully fold the husks back over the corn.

2. Soak: Place the husk-covered corn in a bowl of water and let it soak for about 15-20 minutes. This will prevent the husks from burning on the grill and helps steam the corn.

3. Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Brush the soaked corn with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill the corn, turning occasionally, until the husks are slightly charred and the kernels are tender and caramelized. This should take around 15-20 minutes. If necessary, peel back the husks and grill over medium heat to develop desired char.

The Showstopper: Basil Pesto Aioli

What's Italian cuisine without the magic of pesto? We're taking the traditional pesto and transforming it into a luscious aioli that will elevate our street corn to greatness.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
• ¼ cup pine nuts
• 2 cloves garlic
• ½ cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano
• Juice of 1 lemon
• ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• Kosher salt and pepper to taste

Method:

1. Blend: In a food processor, combine the basil, pine nuts, garlic, and grated Parmigiano Reggiano. Pulse until coarsely chopped. With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. Add the lemon juice, salt, and pepper, then pulse again to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Set aside.

2. Create the Aioli: Transfer the basil mixture to a bowl and fold in mayonnaise. Add a squeeze of lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix well until the aioli is smooth and well combined.

Assembling the Street Corn all'Italiana

Now comes the fun part – assembling this masterpiece!

Ingredients:

• Grilled corn on the cob
• Basil Pesto Aioli
• Freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano
• Extra fresh basil leaves for garnish
• Aleppo pepper (for a spicy kick)

Method:

1. Slather: Carefully peel back the husks of the grilled corn. Generously slather each cob with the delectable Basil Pesto Aioli, coating every succulent kernel.

2. Cheese It Up: Sprinkle a generous shower of freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano over the aioli-covered corn. The cheese will meld with the flavors and create a savory explosion.

3. Garnish: To finish, sprinkle Aleppo pepper flakes to taste, then scatter a few extra fresh basil leaves over the corn. Not only will they add a pop of color, but their aroma will also awaken your senses.

    

The Flavor Explosion

As the sun sets and warm summer evenings linger, let your taste buds embark on a journey to Italy with this enchanting twist on classic street corn. Street Corn all'Italiana combines the heartiness of street food with the elegance of Italian cuisine, resulting in a flavor explosion that's sure to become a seasonal favorite. 

 

Sink your teeth into the juicy, smoky corn cob, and let the pesto aioli dance on your palate. The nutty Parmigiano Reggiano adds a delightful umami as the sweetness of the corn balances the rich Italian flavors. The fruity kick of the Aleppo pepper perfectly rounds out the sweet and savory.

 

So, gather your loved ones, fire up the grill, and indulge in this delightful fusion that pays homage to the simplicity and magic of summer. Raise your corn on the cob and toast to the joy of culinary delights! Buon Appetito! 🌞🍽️🇮🇹

 

As always, reach out to The Small Town Chef with any questions or comments. We look forward to hearing from you.

 

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