Frugal Veggies: Corn

I try to prepare fresh vegetables as often as possible.  In fact, in menu planning, I find that I now shop and purchase vegetables that are fresh and plan the meals around those, rather than say the meat.  One good alternative to fresh vegetables are high quality frozen vegetables.  Frozen vegetables are usually frozen and packed at their peak of nutrition, and when prepared properly can be very tasty as well as cost effective.  I always have some bags of frozen vegetables in my fridge: spinach, green peas and corn.  I use the spinach in frittata recipes and green smoothies, the peas in fried rice.  The frozen corn is quite versatile, and I like it in both cooked dishes where the corn is prepared to bring out the natural sugars as well as in salads.  During summer, really great fresh corn is great with both recipes.

Pan roasted corn

1 T olive oil (or half butter)
10 oz. bag frozen corn
1 red pepper, cored and diced
2 green onions sliced
1/4 t dried thyme
salt and black pepper to taste

In a heavy bottom skillet, add oil and heat skillet fairly hot.  Add frozen corn and saute for a few minutes, add the red pepper pieces.  Saute until the sugars in the corn start to brown slightly, about 5-8 minutes.  Add green onions, thyme and season to taste.  Stir until heated through.

Corn and black bean salad

10 oz. bag frozen corn, defrosted
1 can 15 oz. black beans, rinsed and drained
1 red pepper, cored and diced
3 T finely chopped red onion
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1 T mustard
1 t honey or brown sugar
2 T lemon juice
1 T olive oil (optional)
few dashes of hot sauce

Prepare dressing: in a small bowl, combine the mustard, honey or brown sugar, lemon juice, olive oil, hot sauce and salt to taste. Mix well.  In a large bowl combine corn, black beans, red pepper, and onion.  Add dressing and stir to combine.  Toss in cilantro to mix well. If making ahead of time, add cilantro just before serving.

see the previous frugal veggie posts on: Cabbage, Broccoli, and Carrots, and Bananas

see more at Frugal Friday and Food Renegade and Ultimate Recipe Swap