Some of corn’s best partners—medium-hot chiles, chorizo, and basil—join up in this simple dish. It’s substantial enough to call a chowder, but light enough for summer.
How to improve on cornbread? Make it snack-size, crisp at the edges and tender inside, with a delicate crunch from corn. Then watch it disappear at brunch or alongside ribs. You’ll need a madeleine or mini-muffin pan.
The last of late-summer’s corn, cooked so it still has a light crunch, accents this silky squash soup. Clare Carver of Big Table Farm winery uses rich homemade chicken broth, but store-bought works too.
In this vegetable-centric (and gluten-free) dish, zucchini takes the place of the usual pasta. You can use green or yellow squash, or both. A handheld slicer makes quick work of cutting the squash.
Chicken with Spicy Corn on the Cob and Grilled Lettuces
Russell Moore, chef and owner at Camino restaurant in Oakland, gave us this technique for grilling chicken breast—and it’s the juiciest version we’ve ever had, protected from overcooking by the bones and skin. “Don’t cook it too fast,” he adds. “You don’t want it burnt outside and raw inside.” We also like his clever way of producing an entire dinner over one fire, grilling everything in sequence. At Camino, he uses cherry and almond wood, but for the home griller, he suggests a mix of mesquite hardwood charcoal and either fruitwood or hardwood chunks—and lighting more charcoal partway through cooking.
14 of 28Photo by Alex Farnum; written by Elaine Johnson
Grilled Corn on the Cob with Cilantro Queso Fresco Butter
From Colorado chef Mark Fischer, here’s a combo that’s especially good with Latin- or Southwestern-flavored grilled meat. Offer any leftover butter to spread on warm bread.
In the height of summer, you won't find a better side dish for ribs than this deceptively simple combination of peak-season produce. Try bringing it to a party too.
San Francisco chef Jamie Lauren highlights trout's subtle sweetness by pairing it with fresh, sweet corn. Although this dish is nice enough for special occasions, it can be prepared in 40 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights too.