What is sweet corn kernels, makai ke dane?

Sweet corn kernels are obtained from whole sweet corn cob. They are bright yellow in colour and have a sweet taste that can be enjoyed by kids and adults and can be used in making soups, salads, sabzis, starters and so on.

To get sweet corn kernels, peel the whole sweet corn cob and remove all the strings and discard them. Hold the corn cob vertically on a chopping board placing the handle of the corn cob upwards, using a sharp knife slice the corn cob to get corn kernels. Nowadays they are available throughout the year and readymade corn kernels are also readily available in the market.

American corn, yellow corn kernels, sweet corn.

Blanched sweet corn kernels

To blanch sweet corn on the cob, use a large stockpot partially filled with water, enough to cover several ears at a time. Bring the water to boil, and then place the corn in the boiling water. Begin timing as soon as you immerse the corn in the boiling water. Cover the pot and boil on high temperature. You may use the same boiling water two or three times. After boiling, cool the corn immediately in ice water for the same amount of time as it was boiled. Drain the corn thoroughly.

Boiled and crushed sweet corn kernels

Bring a large pot of water to bubble over high heat. Cook in batches, with husks and silks removed, adding a few ears at a time, so the water continues boiling. For fresh young corn, cook for 30 seconds-just long enough to heat the corn through; boil more mature corn for up to three minutes. Do not add salt to cooking water since that will toughen the corn. Then crush the corn coarsely or finely as required.

Boiled sweet corn kernels

To boil, bring a large pot of water to bubble over high heat. Cook in batches, with husks and silks removed, adding a few ears at a time, so the water continues boiling. For fresh young corn, cook for 30 seconds-just long enough to heat the corn through; boil more mature corn for up to three minutes. Do not add salt to cooking water since that will toughen the corn.

Crushed sweet corn kernels

Sweet Corn Kernels can be crushed as required, partially or fully using a grinder. Crushed sweet corn kernels can be used for soups or stuffing.

Sweet corn is ready to pick when the kernels become plump and glossy; the best way to gauge ripeness is to taste a sample. Buy corn as fresh as possible. Don't buy corn that feels hot to the touch since such exposure to heat may cause deterioration. Inspect the ears when possible; by peeling back some of the husk. Look for evenly spaced, tight rows and slightly plump kernels. Reject ears with enlarged or shriveled kernels and missing rows. The silk should be dry but not brittle. Stems should be light green and moist rather than yellowed and dry. Husks should be grassy green and tender. Inspect the outer husk and for holes and other evidence of worms.

Culinary Uses of sweet corn kernels, makai ke dane in Indian Cooking

sabzis using boiled sweet corn kernels

1. corn capsicum masala recipe | corn capsicum sabzi | healthy corn capsicum curry | Close your eyes and imagine a bowlful of vibrantly coloured chunks of capsicums mixed with juicy yellow sweet corn kernels. 

2. corn paneer sabzi recipe | Indian sweet corn paneer bhaji | makai paneer sabzi | sweet corn and cottage cheese sabzi is a quick yet awesome in taste. Learn how to make makai paneer sabzi.

3. paneer and corn sabzi | paneer and corn curry | cottage cheese and corn curry | with 27 amazing images. 

 sandwiches using boiled sweet corn kernels

1. grilled corn capsicum sandwich recipe | Indian style corn capsicum sandwich | sweet corn capsicum sandwich | with 20 amazing images. 

 rolls using boiled sweet corn kernels

1. aloo corn tikki roll recipe | Indian aloo corn frankie | potato and corn frankie is a wholesome meal in itself. Learn how to make Indian aloo corn frankie.

soups using boiled sweet corn kernels

1. sweet corn vegetable soup recipe | sweet corn veg soup | Indo-Chinese sweet corn veggie soup | with amazing 15 images.

Crushed and whole sweet corn comes together with a colourful assortment of juicy vegetables in this sumptuous sweet corn vegetable soup. Once you prepare the veggies and corn, this Sweet Corn Vegetable Soup can be made in a jiffy with readily available ingredients. 
• Grilled corn, served hot, with butter or margarine, tastes yummy, but grilled corn seasoned with cumin, chili powder and a light slather of sour cream tastes great, too.
• Toss together a corn salsa with grilled corn (cut off the kernels after grilling), diced tomatoes, red onions, and roasted red peppers. Season with minced jalapeño and garlic and plenty of chopped coriander/parsley. Moisten with olive oil and fresh lime juice.
• Stir fresh corn kernels into cornbread or corn muffins to punch up the corn flavor.
• Make a southwestern-style sauté of diced onion, diced summer squash, diced sweet pepper, corn, minced garlic, and minced jalapeño, seasoned with a dash of cumin. Garnish with diced avocado and a squeeze of lime juice, or a scattering of grated smoked mozzarella. Use leftovers as a filling for tacos or quesadillas.
• Build a pretty salad of thinly sliced cucumbers, beets, and red onion on a bed of butter lettuce. Scatter corn kernels over all and dress with a lemon juice.
• Fresh corn kernels may be used as an ingredient in salads, soups, stews, casseroles, puddings, relishes, and breads.
• Fresh sweet corn is one of summer's culinary treats, whether it's sautéed, souffléed or boiled on the cob.
• Corn should be cooked and eaten soon after picking for the best taste.
• Just a ladleful of corn added to any mixed vegetable, baked dish, etc. will improve its flavour a great deal.
• Corn Bhel makes an instant and healthy snack for your kid's lunch boxes.

• Don't add salt to the water. It only toughens the corn when it cooks.
• Don't cool off hot corn by running under cold water. It will make the corn soggy.
• Don't overcook or the kernels will get hard and the corn will loose some of its sweet flavor.

As fresh corn ages it loses it's sweet taste, its nutrients, and it becomes starchy, tough and rather tasteless. After buying, wrap unhusked ears in a plastic bag and refrigerate until preparation time. Do not remove husks before storing fresh corn as the husks help retain freshness.

The pros. Sweet corn in a rich in fibre. The high vitamin B3 – 2.61 mg / cup is known to reduce cholesterol levels in body and in turn promote heart health. Sweet corn is good for pregnancy as high folate content and antioxidants - lutein is good for the foetus. The cons. the glycemic index of sweet corn is said to be between 55 to 58 and hence not suited for diabetics and best to restrict the usage. Though sweet corn is a good source of fiber, low in fat and helps control appetite, considering that it is a vegetable it has more calories than other fiber rich veggies, so restrict usage for weight loss. So given a choice it is wise to opt for other veggies first. Read the article is sweet corn healthy?

Nutritive Information for Sweet Corn kernels: