Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Corn in Butter and Spices (Masala Bhutta)


The Harvest Season is in the air. Red and Crimson hued Pumpkins ready for a carve, Trick-o-treats, cute figurines stacked with hay, Corn-on-the-cob. Harvest season has a beauty and charm of its own. During this season I tend to think about the farmers, the hard work, the love of labor which finally fructifies into golden wheat, shining sturdy corn-on-the-cob, plump pumpkins. Ever since I started growing my own kitchen garden I realise growing vegetables is tough, not-so-easy and requires great deal of patience and love. I have begun to respect what I eat all the more.
In India, I yearn for a an easy-going countryside ride of the Paddy fields, Coconut trees swaying around with the breeze trying to blow their tendrils and weak leaves away. You can see beds of grass neatly plonked into the soil with water holding and clogging the entire muddy patch. I can imagine the sheer joy a farmer gets when he sees his hard work and labor growing into a nice crop which can in turn feed his family and progeny. Come to think of it, its the only source of income for a Farmer and the harvest season better be good. I added a shot taken near our place - the Green rushes battling against the fence, quite symbolic of the toil and labor of the Farmers. Does not do justice to their repertoire of work, however is my tiny way of paying homage to the numerous tillers and ploughers who give away the sweat, hard work for the fruits, vegetables which we finally get to buy from the Grocery store and Farmer's market.

I bought Corn-on-the-cob last week, $1.00 for around 4 of them. Yes, I clinched a deal. This amazing quick snack of Corn treated with salt, red chilli powder and lime juice (except for the butter, lol). The taste is heavenly and leaves you with a lip smacking feeling at the end. Masala Bhutta is very popular street food in Malls, Streets et al in India. The vendor would have his rickety cart laden with all the goodies. 1 minute and the vendor would quickly swish through all the ingredients, dump the spicy mix with hot corn and hand it over in a cute paper cup with an even cuter spoon. Tempting! Need I say more! Bon Appetite!

Serves: 2 individuals

Ingredients:
Frozen Corn - 2 cups
Red Chilli Powder - 1/2 teaspoon
Butter - 1/3 stick (salted)
Lime Juice - 1/2 teaspoon
Salt - As per taste
Pepper powder (optional) - 1/2 teaspoon

Method:
Thaw the corn in microwave for 2-4 minutes or simply remove from fridge and keep it out for 1/2 hour. Melt butter in saucepan, add the corn, mix in all the ingredients except for the lime juice. Give a good toss. Transfer to your favorite serving bowl, add a dash of lime juice and chew on the buttery goody.

2 comments:

  1. thats one of my fav ways to have corn, i feel like grabbing rite from the screen :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. @ Parita - Thanks. I know what you are saying dear. Yum is the word! :)

    ReplyDelete

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