SriVani Ganti takes a trip down memory lane serving a classic grilled Indian street food.
By SriVani Ganti
One of my fondest memories during my visits to India were the many food vendors that peppered the main roads. One of my favorite vendors was the grilled corn guys. The a small wobbly yet stable wooden cart, vendors would delicately grill the corn with the expertise of a pit master. They would fan the flames with any solid piece of paper letting the fire lick the kernels of the corn toasting them to a perfect uncharred black. The distinctive pops and crackles remind you that something good is about to come your way. Then they used half of a lime to unceremoniously rub on salt and chili powder. The combination of the sweet corn with the bite of chili powder and pucker of lime juice makes this Indian grilled corn an addictive summer time treat.
Since I don’t have the wooden cart or personal grill, I have come to use my gas stove as a replacement. I also slightly modify the dish by adding ghee, clarified butter, to the mix because butter makes everything better. I hope you all enjoy this version of grilled corn as much as me and my family enjoys it! 
Spicy Tart Buttery Grilled Corn
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 1 ear per person 1x
Ingredients
- 1 ear of corn per person
- 1/2 tbs melted ghee or butter
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp red chili powder
- 1/2 tbs lime juice
Instructions
- Remove the husk from the corn as well as the silk strands from the kernals
- Heat the gas stove to medium-high heat, and place the corn on the heat. (You can use a grate to put over the flame so the corn doesn’t fall directly into the flame)
- Keep the corn on the flame until there is some browning of the kernals. Then turn over. Cook until all sides of the corn have browning on all sides.
- Eat immediately.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
This looks, and sounds delicious. Can this be made with frozen corn? If not, it’ll be next summmer before I can try this.
I had this corn last Friday night, with a touch of paprika added and butter subbed for the ghee. It was, without a doubt, one of the best grilled corn experiences I’ve had! Delish!
This the best way to enjoy fresh corn. In Mexico they can also be found grilled this way.
I’m glad you enjoy it! I also love the name of your blog! Elephants are my favorite animal of all time. Also your food looks fantastic.
This is EXACTLY how I make my corn! I love the roasted taste that comes out of toasting it over a gas flame. Thanks for sharing for a wider audience!