I think most of you mums and dads out there would agree that dinner time can be a battle...and it's hard to find something that the whole family will enjoy, that is also simple, as well as being cost effective AND healthy.
In Paleo land I understand that Corn is a big no no because it's a grain and there's no grains allowed on the Paleo diet...I have been strict Paleo for nearing three years now. But when it comes to a treat, there are a lot worse things you could be consuming other than corn.
Grains aren't a highly valuable source of nutrients and have a high glycemic index which means it spikes blood sugar. A lot of people are also unknowingly unable to digest grains which leads to things like Leaky Gut. But if you are out at a BBQ and there's no other food choices... having an ear of corn isn't going to kill you.
Corn does pack some nutrients although as they are harder on digestion to break down, the nutrients are somewhat lost. They are richer in nutrients though than some other grains. It is rich in phytonutrients like Ferulic acid, Beta-carotene, vanillin acid, coumaric acid, caffeic acid and syringic acid and it is also a source of phosphorous, niacin, dietary fibre, manganese and vitamin B6. The issue being that corn can get through the digestive track un digested which means you don't absorb a lot of those nutrients compared to other fruits and vegetables. But all of this aside, we feed grains to our live stock to fatten them up... so don't think consuming it regularly is going to help your waistline. It can certainly be inflammatory so don't consume it if you usually have any bloating after eating it.
But hey! In summer, when firing up the barbie, I say theres nothing better than an Ear of corn smothered in Ghee with some beautiful spices!
This recipe you can do if you Steam your Corn, however, putting in foil in the oven or on the bbq makes it taste so much nicer! The base of the corn that is on the pan goes caramelised and adds a beautiful sweet flavour which is beautifully contrasted with the Lime juice.
Enjoy, and as always - please let me know what you think in the comments below! If you like it please share with your friends and pin it to make again!
Recipe
Serves - 4 -
Time - 1.25 hours if roasting, 45 minutes if steaming
What you need:
3 Ears Of Corn
1/2 Teaspoon Cumin
1/2 Teaspoon Smoked Paprika
1 Sprig Rosemary
Juice of 1 Lime
1 Clove Garlic - Minced
1/4 Cup Melted Ghee (Can sub for Olive Oil)
Baking Sheet
Foil
What to do:
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
Grab a baking sheet. Cut your Ears of Corn in halves. Wrap each half in Foil and place on the baking sheet and put into the oven for 45 minutes.
While the corn is cooking, in a saucepan melt your oil of choice or ghee. When it's all melted add the Cumin and Paprika. Cook the spices until aromatic (usually 1-2 minutes) and then add the garlic and turn off the heat. Add the Lime Juice (if the lime isn't particularly Juicy, add another Lime), Rosemary and Salt and Pepper.
After 45 minutes, take the corn out of the oven. Be careful not to tear the foil when unwrapping. Baste the corn with your mix, wrap the corn and place back in the oven for 15 minutes.
Take the Corn out of the oven and out of the foil and place in a bowl. Pour the mixture over the corn and serve family style in the middle of the table.
Delish!
