Looking for a quick and delicious side dish that will transport your taste buds straight to Italy? Look no further than this Easy Italian Corn Sauté! With just a handful of fresh ingredients and a mere 25 minutes of your time, you can whip up a vibrant and flavorful dish that’s perfect for summer barbecues, family dinners, or even a cozy weeknight meal. The combination of sweet corn, fragrant garlic, and aromatic basil creates a symphony of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. Are you ready to impress your guests with this delightful Italian-inspired recipe? Let’s dive in!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh corn kernels
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Prepare the fresh corn kernels by carefully removing them from the cob using a sharp knife. If using frozen corn, thaw completely and pat dry with paper towels.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Allow the oil to warm for about 1-2 minutes until it shimmers slightly.
- Add minced garlic to the heated oil and sauté for 30-45 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning. The garlic should become fragrant but not brown.
- Add the fresh corn kernels to the skillet, spreading them evenly across the pan's surface. Allow the corn to cook without stirring for 2-3 minutes to develop a light golden color.
- Stir the corn and continue cooking for an additional 5-7 minutes, occasionally turning to ensure even cooking and slight caramelization.
- Season the corn with salt and black pepper, stirring to distribute the seasonings evenly throughout the kernels.
- Remove the skillet from heat and immediately sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the corn, gently tossing to incorporate.
- Transfer the sautéed corn to a serving dish and serve immediately while hot, garnishing with additional fresh basil if desired.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Corn: For the best flavor, opt for fresh corn on the cob when it's in season. Look for ears with bright green husks and plump kernels. If fresh corn isn't available, frozen corn works well too—just make sure to thaw and dry it properly.
- Perfect Garlic Sauté: Keep a close eye on the garlic while sautéing. It should become fragrant but not brown, as burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste to your dish.
- Achieve Golden Corn: Allow the corn to cook undisturbed for a few minutes to develop that lovely golden color. This caramelization adds depth and sweetness to the dish.
- Season to Taste: Feel free to adjust the salt and pepper according to your preference. You can also experiment with adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat!
- Fresh Basil Boost: For the best flavor, add the fresh basil at the end of cooking. This keeps its vibrant color and fresh aroma intact, enhancing the overall dish.
- Serve Warm: This dish is best enjoyed immediately while it's hot. Consider garnishing with extra basil or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an added touch of flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 90kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
