Are you ready to transform ordinary corn into a luxurious, silky-smooth culinary masterpiece that will make your taste buds dance? This Corn Custard with Chives is not just a recipe—it's a creamy revelation that bridges rustic American comfort food with elegant dining. Imagine a dish so delicate yet so rich, it'll have your dinner guests wondering if you've secretly trained in a professional kitchen. Whether you're looking to impress at a dinner party or simply craving a sophisticated side dish, this recipe promises to elevate your cooking game with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups corn kernels
- 1 cup milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup chives, chopped
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a 9-inch baking dish or four individual ramekins thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add corn kernels and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they become slightly golden and release their natural sweetness. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until well combined and smooth. The mixture should have a consistent pale yellow color.
- Fold the sautéed corn kernels into the egg mixture, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the custard base.
- Pour the corn and egg mixture into the prepared baking dish or ramekins. The mixture should fill the dish about 3/4 full to allow room for expansion during baking.
- Place the baking dish or ramekins in a large water bath (bain-marie), filling the outer pan with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the custard dish.
- Carefully transfer the water bath to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The custard is done when it is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow the custard to set completely.
- Sprinkle freshly chopped chives over the top of the custard just before serving for a burst of fresh flavor and color.
- Serve warm as a side dish or light lunch, accompanied by a crisp green salad if desired.
Tips
- Use fresh corn kernels when possible for the most vibrant flavor, but high-quality frozen corn works excellently too.
- Always temper your eggs by slowly adding hot ingredients to prevent scrambling.
- The water bath (bain-marie) is crucial for creating a smooth, even custard texture—don't skip this step!
- For extra richness, consider using heavy cream instead of milk.
- Check doneness by gently shaking the dish; the custard should be set but still have a slight wobble in the center.
- Let the custard rest after baking to allow it to set completely and develop deeper flavors.
- For a gourmet touch, experiment with adding herbs like thyme or a pinch of smoked paprika to the base mixture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 172kcal
Carbohydrates: 16g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 153mg
