Braving and bearing the brunt of summers can be quite challenging. From health to skinand hair, maintaining all can certainly be daunting. We often underestimate the goodness and power of natural resources to combat most of our everyday health concerns. Surprisingly, corn is one such wonder crop that can get us rid of most of our probable nightmares this summer.
Good for digestion: During summers it is ideal to consume foods that are light on stomach. Corn is high on fiber which facilitates proper digestion warding off numerous digestive problems including constipation.
Power packed with energy: One tends to lose a lot of essential bodily fluids during summers and in that situation the energy levels take a dip as well. Corn is full of starch, water content and is high in carbohydrates which provides for long term energy. This is particularly beneficial for athletes as they require more carbs to optimize their performance.
For glowing skin: The scorching heat and the play of dry spells of weather can cause immense damage to skin and hair. Take a sigh of relief as corn is a one stop solution for all your skin and hair woes. It is a good source of vitamin C, thiamin, niacin, vitamin E and other minerals and antioxidants that are essential for skin care. It contains lycopene which fights against UV rays and assists in the increased production of collagen that ensures radiantly smooth skin.
Damage control for hair: Summer is supposedly the worst for hair. Hair care and maintenance becomes quite challenging with excess heat dust and UV rays blazing hot on you everyday. No amount of cosmetics or external application will help unless we eat right. Consumption of corn strengthens hair follicles and speeds up collagen production, thus maintaining smooth and silky hair. Topical use of hot corn oil can help prevent dryness of the scalp and hair loss.
Long term benefits: Including corn in your diet can result in long term health benefits as well. The essential minerals, vitamins and antioxidants can help combating anemia,diabetes, hypertension, increased cholesterol levels, heart risks and even Alzheimer’s disease. Recent research has established that corn contains ferulic acid which helps in fighting cancerous tissues and tumours in breasts and liver.
How to eat corn, differently!
The best thing about cooking is the freedom that you get to try things out, to experiment and to create an appetizing masterpiece of your own by a calculated yet bold mix and match of ingredients and flavors. Yet, foods like corn have mostly and widely remained underrated on the Indian plate. Whereas western cuisines have experimented and incorporated corn effortlessly, it’s only in the recent past that we are finding that it is now being liberally used with Indian flavours. If the taste isn’t enough to make you bite into it, its health quotient could.
This time around in our top ten special we bring you some of our novel corn recipes. Go ahead, give them a try!
1. Corn Fritters
Recipe by Vicky Ratnani
A snack that you just can’t resist picking up. Clusters of corn, gram flour and spices, fried crisp. With freshly made roasted bell pepper sauce, serve in style!
2. Spiced Simmered Corn
Recipe by Roopa Gulati
This gentle curry with the soothing flavours of fresh coconut, coriander leaves, yogurt andmilk is a celebration for your senses.
3. Bhutteyan Da Kebab
Recipe by Chef Rajdeep Kapoor, Hotel Eros Park Royal
Watch out for this one, an unconventional avatar of kebabs. A beautiful mix of corn, potatoes, mild spices complete with oozing cheese.
4. Handi Corn Sabzi
Recipe by Aditya Bal
Corn cooked with a savory play of desi spices. With jaggery and tamarind, char-grilled corn that is sweet and sour in one bite. This one will leave your taste buds tingling!
5. Corn and Pomegranate Chaat
Recipe by Aditya Bal
This hearty and healthy mix is what you need after a long day’s work. Packed with varied flavours of corn, pomegranate, orange, mustard and tamarind, you’ll love the freshness of this recipe.
6. Potato and Corn Soup
Recipe by Vicky Ratnani
Come home to this comforting bowl of soup made with the ever so versatile yet humble ingredients – potato and corn. The freshness of herbs like basil, parsley and rosemary will get you hooked to this recipe!
7. Baby Corn Pakodas
Recipe by Aditya Bal
Who can say no to these crisp bites? This time around we tried marrying the Western texture of baby corn with Indian flavours and result was simply irresistible!
8. Savory Corn Tarts
Recipe by Ruchira Hoon
A snack that you would not mind your kids filling up on! Freshly baked tarts of maizeflour loaded with a filling of mushrooms, spinach, corn, cream and cheese.
9. Potato & Corn Burgers
Recipe by Vicky Ratnani
Try this homemade veggie version and we bet you’ll never turn to those takeaway burgers! Patties made with corn, potato, feta cheese and herbs, wrapped in breadcrumbs and shallow fried. Slapped between burger buns with tomato and lettuce, these burgers make for a simple snack.
10. Babycorn Bezule with Peanut Chutney
Recipe by Karan Suri, ‘Foodistan’
Corn marinated with a miscellany of spices and fried golden in coconut oil. The dish is rounded with a mix of mustard seeds, coriander, fresh ginger and yogurt. A recipe by a gourmet chef that offers a symphony of flavours.
[“source-ndtv”]
