Southern-Style Fried Corn Delight
This Southern-Style Fried Corn Delight is a cherished recipe passed down through generations, harkening back to the days when my grandmother would creatively use every morsel in the kitchen. Utilizing the rich flavor of bacon drippings, she transformed fresh, juicy silver queen corn into a dish that is both comforting and satisfying. With the addition of sweet onions and a creamy finish, this dish perfectly captures the essence of Southern cooking. Whether you enjoy it as a side dish at a summer barbecue or as a cozy winter comfort food, this recipe offers a taste of home that will make you feel warm inside.
5
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Silver Queen Corn
6 ears (Husked and cleaned)
Onion
1/4 cup (Finely diced (green onion can be used for added color))
Bacon Drippings
1/2 cup (Or substitute with 4 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled)
Butter
1/2 cup (Divided)
Salt
to taste (None)
Pepper
to taste (None)
Milk
1 cup (Or use half-and-half for a richer texture)
Instructions
1
Start by husking the corn and cutting the kernels off the cobs. Scrape the cobs to extract the milky liquid. Place the corn kernels and the milky liquid into a large cast-iron skillet or a heavy skillet.
2
Add the finely diced onions to the skillet. Turn the heat to high and pour in the bacon drippings and 1/4 cup of the butter. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3
Cook the mixture for 3 minutes, allowing the corn to brown slightly before stirring. This step adds depth of flavor to the dish. After 3 minutes, reduce the heat to medium.
4
Slowly stir in the milk, ensuring that the corn mixes well with the liquid. Continue cooking until most of the milk has absorbed, which should take about 5-7 minutes. You want the corn to be tender and flavorful.
5
Finally, add the remaining 1/4 cup of butter and stir until it melts completely and is evenly distributed throughout the corn mixture. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Southern-Style Fried Corn Delight?
It is a cherished family recipe passed down through generations that uses fresh corn, bacon drippings, and butter for a comforting Southern side dish.
What variety of corn is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 6 ears of Silver Queen Corn for the best flavor and texture.
Why do I need to scrape the corn cobs?
Scraping the cobs extracts a milky liquid that adds significant flavor and contributes to the creamy consistency of the dish.
What is the best type of pan to use?
A large cast-iron skillet or a heavy skillet is recommended for even heating and proper browning.
Can I substitute the bacon drippings?
Yes, you can substitute the 1/2 cup of bacon drippings with 4 slices of cooked, crumbled bacon.
What kind of onions should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of finely diced onions, though green onions can be used if you want to add more color.
How much butter is used in the recipe?
A total of 1/2 cup of butter is used, divided into two equal portions of 1/4 cup each.
How long do you cook the corn on high heat?
The corn should be cooked on high heat for 3 minutes to allow it to brown slightly before reducing the heat.
Why is the corn cooked on high heat initially?
Cooking on high heat for the first 3 minutes adds depth of flavor by browning the kernels.
When do I add the milk?
The milk is stirred in slowly after the corn has browned for 3 minutes and the heat has been reduced to medium.
Can I make this dish creamier?
Yes, you can use half-and-half instead of regular milk for a richer and creamier texture.
How long does it take for the milk to absorb?
It typically takes about 5 to 7 minutes of cooking on medium heat for most of the milk to be absorbed.
When is the second portion of butter added?
The remaining 1/4 cup of butter is added at the very end and stirred until completely melted before serving.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 5 servings.
What are the main seasonings used?
The dish is seasoned simply with salt and pepper to taste.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
As written, it contains bacon drippings and butter, so it is not vegetarian. To make it vegetarian, you would need to replace the bacon drippings with additional butter or oil.
Is this a summer or winter dish?
It is versatile enough to be served as a side at a summer barbecue or as a cozy comfort food during the winter.
What should the texture of the corn be when finished?
The corn should be tender, flavorful, and slightly creamy from the milk and butter.
What is the first step in preparing the corn?
The first step is husking the corn and cutting the kernels off the cobs into a skillet.
How much onion is required?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of finely diced onion.
Can I use frozen corn?
While fresh corn is ideal for extracting the cob milk, you could use frozen corn, though the texture and flavor may differ slightly.
Is Silver Queen corn sweet?
Yes, Silver Queen is a popular variety of white sweet corn known for its tender kernels and high sugar content.
Should I stir the corn constantly while browning?
No, you should allow the corn to sit for 3 minutes on high heat to brown before stirring.
What is the total count of ingredients?
There are 7 ingredients in total: corn, onion, bacon drippings, butter, salt, pepper, and milk.
How do I know when to stop cooking the milk?
You should cook it until most of the milk has been absorbed, which ensures the corn is tender.
Can I add sugar to this recipe?
The recipe does not call for added sugar because the Silver Queen corn and milk provide natural sweetness.
Is the heat adjusted during cooking?
Yes, you start on high heat to brown the corn and then reduce it to medium to simmer with the milk.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include corn, southern cooking, fried corn, comfort food, vegetable side dish, family recipe, and bacon drippings.
How much milk is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of milk.
Should I taste the dish before serving?
Yes, you should taste and adjust the salt and pepper seasonings as the final step before serving.