Sweetcorn facts

Claire Wright from addsomeveg.com shares 3 simple ways to prepare sweetcorn that the whole family will enjoy, starting with the most kid-friendly of all!

Buttered grilled corn-on-the-cob is the easiest way to get most kids to try sweetcorn. Or any veg! It’s just messy enough for them, deliciously sweet, and great fun to eat.

Method:

Preheat your grill while you prepare the butter. Add the softened butter, salt & pepper, and coriander to a bowl and mash with a fork until combined. If your corn cobs aren’t already prepped, remove the husks and pull off any stray threads. Spread the butter all over the corn cobs and lay on a foil lined grill-safe baking tray. Place under the grill for 5-10 mins, turning frequently with tongs, until they are slightly charred and cooked all over. Add a little more herb butter when serving, if you like.

In the summertime, if you have a BBQ, you can make these on the hot BBQ by wrapping the buttered cobs in foil and placing on it for 10-15 mins, until charred and cooked.

Out of season, you can buy frozen prepped corn-on-the-cob in most supermarkets and easy defrost and cook as above, or cook from frozen according to packet instructions and spread with the butter after cooking.

MIX IT UP: Change up the herb butter to make the flavour totally different next time. Fresh basil, parsley or even mint all work really well. You could also use mixed dried herbs (just use less – more like 1-2 tsp). Or change it up further by adding a finely chopped garlic clove or a little finely sliced de-seeded chilli if your family likes a little kick.

Frittatas are one of the easier egg dishes, perfect for a beginner cook. This one has courgettes and sweetcorn but adapt to what’s on hand, it’s perfect for using up any leftover veg from previous meals. Great for a filling breakfast, healthy lunchbox addition, or even for a quick dinner with some crusty bread and salad.

Method:

In a large oven-safe frying pan, heat 1 tbsp oil over medium heat. Add the chopped courgette (and onion, if using) and cook until softened, about 5-10 mins. Add the sweetcorn and cook through for 2 mins, then beat the eggs in a bowl of jug, add a pinch of salt and pepper, and pour over the veg (with the pan still on the heat – it should sizzle as the egg hits the pan).

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat while the egg on the bottom of the pan cooks for about 2 mins, then place the pan under the grill for 5-10 mins, until slightly puffed up and golden. Serve hot if you like, but it is best served room temperature or cold.

Claire Wright from addsomeveg.com shares 3 simple ways to prepare sweetcorn that the whole family will enjoy. Next stop: pancakes!

What kid doesn’t like pancakes? These savoury sweetcorn fritters are a winner with kids, and make a nice change for a weekend breakfast treat.

Method:

In a large bowl, mix the flour, baking powder and seasoning. In a separate bowl or jug, mix the milk, lemon or lime juice and eggs. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir until just combined (don’t over-mix or the fritters will be tough – a few fleck of flour is better than over-mixed batter). Gently stir through the corn, spring onions and herbs.

In a large frying pan, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil and drop heaped tablespoons of batter in the pan – about 1-2 large tbsp per fritter should do. Fry over medium heat for 2-3 mins, then flip over and cook on the other side for another 1-2 mins, until both sides are golden and each fritter is cooked through (if they are getting golden on the outside but still aren’t cooked through in the centre, turn the heat down to low and cook for a little longer on a gentler heat). These fritters make a yummy breakfast served with a little sliced or mashed avocado, cherry tomatoes and more fresh herbs. Crispy bacon makes a nice treat with them, too!