Monsoon in India
is synonymous with “Bhutta” i.e. grilled corn on the cob. During this season, fresh corn on the cobs are available in plenty. I had my fill of the Bhuttas and the steamed corn and
salads. So, this time, I wanted to try out something different – Corn “Usli” – from my collection.
Preparation of the “Usli” is easy. The main issue here is how to remove the corn kernels from the cob.
Some years back, I had seen a food show on TV wherein the hostess used a gadget
with a sharp edge with which she easily removed the kernels. I tried to find
this gadget in various supermarkets but with no luck. Finally, with the help of
my potato peeler, - (yes, you read it right) I could manage to do this with
ease ! Try this out and see for
yourself.
This sweet and spicy “Usli” is a very tasty and a healthy
breakfast dish or an evening snack.
Ingredients:
Corn cobs
|
2
|
Potato
|
1 medium
|
Salt
|
As per taste
|
Sugar
|
A pinch
|
Water
|
½ a cup
|
For Seasoning
|
|
Oil
|
1 tbsp
|
Mustard seeds
|
1 tsp
|
Asafetida
|
¼ tsp
|
Green chilies (slit)
|
2-3
|
Curry leaves
|
1 sprig
|
For Garnishing
|
|
Freshly grated coconut
|
1 tbsp
|
Coriander leaves (chopped)
|
1 tbsp
|
Lime juice
|
1 tsp
|
How to remove the corn
kernels from the cob
- Remove the husks and the silky fibres from the cob.
- Take a large tray and hold the cob firmly with one hand - the stem end towards you and the other end touching the tray.
- Now take the potato peeler and with its pointed end slowly but steadily push it and run it forward along each row whereby the kernels come out (in rows – as shown in the picture) easily on to the tray. Once you get the hang of it, this will be easily done.
- Repeat this procedure, till you complete the cob.
- This took me about 15-20 mins for the two cobs.
- Now, you are ready for preparing the “Usli”.
 |
| Potato peeler being used to remove the corn kernels from the cob |
 |
| Potato peeler and corer |
 |
Method:
- Wash, scrub and cut the potato (peeling the skin is not necessary) into cubes.
- Mince the corn kernels in the mixer or food processor. This should take a few seconds or so. Do not grind it.
- Then cook the minced corn together with the cubed potatoes in water or you can even pressure cook them together. If cooking in water, it should take about 15-20 mins.
- Heat a pan or kadai. Add all the seasoning ingredients.
- When the mustard seeds stop spluttering, add the cooked (potatoes and minced corn kernels) mixture. Add water to it.
- Next add salt and sugar as per taste. Mix well and let it simmer for a few minutes and remove it from flame.
- Finally add all the garnishing ingredients.
- Serve hot.
 |
| Corn kernels minced in the food processor |
 |
| Minced corn kernels and potato cubes boiling in water |
 |
| Seasoning in process |
 |
| 'Usli" in the making |
Preparation time: 20 mins
Cooking time: 30 mins
Serves: 2
Note:
- Frozen corn kernel packets available in the super markets can also be used.
- Ensure that corn kernels are not very tender nor should they be much matured.
- Do not make the final product very dry.
