Lemon Thyme-Tinged Corn Sauté

From EatingWell: Summer 2003 — Subscribe Now!

Fresh corn on the cob is wonderful, but fresh corn off the cob is a real treat too. Your reward for spending a few pleasant minutes cutting kernels off the cob is a sweet and flavorful corn sauté brightened with diced red peppers, thyme and a lift of lemon—a subtle, delicious vegetable side dish that goes splendidly with crab cakes.

6 servings, about 2/3 cup each

Active Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Nutrition Profile

Ingredients

5-7 ears fresh corn, husked
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
2 scallions, thinly sliced
1 small red bell pepper, seeded and diced
1 small stalk celery, finely chopped
2 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon fresh lemon thyme, or thyme leaves
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest
1/4 teaspoon salt

Preparation

Remove as much silk as possible from the corn and then, using a sharp chef's knife, cut the kernels off the cob. You want to end up with 3 to 3 1/2 cups corn. You may not need all the corn if the ears are large. Set aside.
Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet or sauté pan over medium-low heat. Stir in scallions, bell pepper and celery. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened but not browned, about 5 minutes.
Add the reserved corn and water to the pan. Cover and cook, stirring often, until the corn is tender, 4 to 5 minutes. Add butter and stir until it has melted. Stir in the thyme, lemon zest and salt. Remove the pan from the heat, cover and let sit for several minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Per serving: 122 calories; 7 g fat (2 g sat, 2 g mono); 5 mg cholesterol; 17 g carbohydrates; 4 g protein; 2 g fiber; 101 mg sodium; 299 mg potassium.

Nutrition Bonus: Vitamin C (40% daily value).

1 Carbohydrate Serving

Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat