Maize, Corn, Mielies or whatever you like to call them in your part of the world, I'm sure that everyone agrees - they're delicious ! Maize is also one of our staple foods here in Tanzania and indeed, in most of Africa. When I lived in South Africa I remember the maize cobs being a deep yellow colour - here in Tanzania they are a pale creamy colour instead.
One of the most simple and filling things to cook, maize cobs simply need to be thrown into a pot of rapidly boiling water (salted or unsalted - the choice is yours) and cooked for anything between 5 and 10 minutes - depending on the type of maize and on how tender you like eating it !
My favourite way to eat maize is hot with salt and butter - but there are many other yummy and slightly different ways of eating it -: (methods below taken from 'Femina' magazine 'Food Notes' of March 2010)The Mexican Way - Braai (barbecue), spread with thick sour cream & roll in fresh chilli & cheese - a hard goat's cheese or Parmesan is perfect. If you like, add a good squeeze of fresh lime.
Braised - Soften chopped onion & red pepper in olive oil. Add crushed garlic, ground coriander, cumin & chilli. Pour in some stock, add the cut corn and cook briefly until just tender. Season & sprinkle with fresh coriander leaves. It makes a great side dish to grilled chicken or lamb.
Marinated - Immerse cooked chunks in a mix of olive oil, red wine vinegar, crushed garlic, chopped parsley & seasoning to taste.
So - tell me, how do you enjoy eating yours ?!
