Cajun-Style Smothered Corn Medley
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of the South with this Cajun-Style Smothered Corn Medley, featured in the Seattle Times. This dish combines the sweetness of corn with savory vegetables and smoky bacon, creating a delightful explosion of taste that's perfect as a side for any meal. Best of all, it can be prepared ahead of time, allowing you to savor every bite with ease. Just remember to add crispy bacon and a bright splash of lime juice right before serving to elevate the dish to new heights. Ideal for family gatherings, barbecues, or a cozy dinner, this recipe brings a touch of Southern charm to your table!
6
Servings
58
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Bacon
3 slices (Cut into 1/2-inch pieces)
Onion
1 cup (Finely chopped)
Red bell pepper
1 small (Seeded and minced)
Celery
1 rib (Finely minced)
Garlic
2 cloves (Peeled and minced)
Frozen corn kernels
4 cups (Thawed)
Canned tomatoes
1 cup (Broken up)
Paprika
3/4 teaspoon (Dried)
Dried basil
1 teaspoon (Crushed)
Dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon (Crushed)
Cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon (Dried)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (To taste)
Fresh ground pepper
To taste (Ground)
Lime juice
1 tablespoon (Freshly squeezed)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, add the cut bacon and set over medium heat. Cook until the bacon is crispy, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
2
Once crispy, use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Once cooled, crumble the bacon and set aside.
3
In the same saucepan, add the finely chopped onion, minced red bell pepper, finely minced celery, and minced garlic. Sauté the mixture for about 3 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
4
Cover the saucepan and let the vegetables cook for an additional 5 minutes to enhance their flavors and tenderness.
5
Add the thawed corn kernels, broken-up canned tomatoes, paprika, crushed basil, crushed thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and freshly ground pepper (to taste) to the pan. Stir the mixture to combine well.
6
Cook over medium heat, stirring often, for approximately 5 minutes or until the corn is heated through and all the flavors have blended beautifully.
7
Just before serving, gently fold in the crumbled bacon and drizzle the lime juice over the mixture. Stir for 1 minute to combine and enhance the flavors.
8
Serve the Cajun-Style Smothered Corn Medley warm, garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired.
Nutrition Information
3.33g
Fat
5.83g
Carbs
1.33g
Protein
0.83g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cajun-Style Smothered Corn Medley?
It is a vibrant Southern side dish that combines corn, savory vegetables, smoky bacon, and Cajun spices for a flavorful vegetable medley.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What are the nutritional facts per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 58 calories, 3.33g of fat, 5.83g of carbohydrates, 1.33g of protein, and 0.83g of fiber.
What are the main ingredients needed for this corn medley?
The main ingredients are bacon, onion, red bell pepper, celery, garlic, frozen corn kernels, canned tomatoes, lime juice, and various dried spices.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the bacon and sauté the vegetables in olive oil or butter instead of bacon drippings.
What type of corn is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 cups of frozen corn kernels that have been thawed.
How do I prepare the bacon?
Cut 3 slices of bacon into 1/2-inch pieces, cook until crispy, drain on paper towels, and crumble them to be added at the end.
Which vegetables are sautéed first?
Finely chopped onion, minced red bell pepper, minced celery, and minced garlic are sautéed together first.
How long do the vegetables need to cook?
Sauté the vegetables for 3 minutes uncovered, then cover and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
What spices are used to create the Cajun flavor?
The flavor comes from a blend of paprika, crushed dried basil, crushed dried thyme, and cayenne pepper.
When should I add the lime juice?
Add the freshly squeezed lime juice right before serving to brighten the flavors.
Can this dish be prepared in advance?
Yes, you can prepare it ahead of time, but wait to add the crispy bacon and lime juice until you are ready to serve.
How should I serve the corn medley?
Serve it warm, ideally garnished with fresh herbs and the reserved crumbled bacon.
What is the preparation for the canned tomatoes?
The recipe specifies using 1 cup of canned tomatoes that have been broken up.
Is this recipe considered spicy?
It has a mild kick due to the 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, which can be adjusted to your preference.
How much garlic is required?
You will need 2 cloves of garlic, peeled and minced.
Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh corn cut off the cob is an excellent substitute for thawed frozen corn.
What does 'smothered' mean in this context?
It refers to a Southern cooking technique where vegetables are cooked slowly in a covered pan to develop deep flavor.
What size should the red bell pepper be?
A small red bell pepper, seeded and minced, is sufficient for this recipe.
Do I need to add salt and pepper?
Yes, use 1/2 teaspoon of salt and fresh ground pepper to taste.
How do I ensure the bacon stays crispy?
By adding the crumbled bacon at the very end of the cooking process just before serving.
Is there a specific way to handle the dried herbs?
The recipe recommends crushing the dried basil and thyme to release more of their aromatic oils.
What should I do if the mixture looks too dry?
The liquid from the canned tomatoes and the moisture from the corn usually provide enough liquid, but you can add a splash of water if needed.
What is the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
Can I use dried onion instead of fresh?
Fresh onion is preferred for the best texture and 'smothered' flavor, but dried onion can be used in a pinch.
What equipment do I need?
A large saucepan and a slotted spoon for handling the bacon are the primary tools needed.
How long does it take to cook the corn once added?
The corn needs to be cooked for approximately 5 minutes until heated through.
Does this recipe contain sugar?
No, this recipe does not include any added sugar.
What are the suggested tags for this dish?
Cajun, corn, side dish, southern cuisine, vegetable medley, and comfort food.
Can I add more vegetables to this medley?
Yes, diced zucchini or okra would be traditional additions that complement the Cajun flavors well.