Grilled or boiled corn with lashings of butter is a perennial classic. But there are other ways of enjoying corn on the cob. Here are three easy-to-follow recipes that will turn your corn-roast evening into a fancy dinner party, complete with wine pairings as diversified as the recipes.

Recipe 1: Grilled corn on the cob with feta, basil and oregano

This recipe is simple to make, but will add a sophisticated touch to your barbecue. A few ingredients are enough to transform this summer classic into a divine sidekick!

4 servings

(c) Marie des Neiges Magnan

Ingredients

8 ears of fresh corn
250 mL (1 cup) crumbled feta
250 mL (1 cup) chopped basil and oregano
10 mL (2 tsp) lemon juice
10 mL (2 tsp) pepper
Zest of 1 lemon

Preparation

In a bowl, mix together basil, oregano, lemon zest and pepper. Set aside.

Trim the silk sticking out from the tip of the ears (do not peel the husks)

Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook unshucked cobs for 10 minutes. Plunge the cobs into cold water to stop the cooking process. Let cool, then drain water.

Pull the husks down to the base of the stalks, leaving the husks attached. Using string, tie back the husks (the husks will serve as a handle during grilling).

Preheat the BBQ to high and grill the corn on all sides. Just before serving, sprinkle corn on the cob with feta. Wait until feta is slightly melted and then top with herb and lemon mixture.

Pairing:

Recipe 2: Mexican-Style Corn on the Cob

Courtesy of Chef S’Arto Chartier-Otis, this recipe features taco ingredients like hot sauce, cheese and other garnishes. It’s delicious and easy to prepare.

4 servings

(c) Tastevino

Ingredients

4 ears of corn
Grapeseed oil
3 green onions, sliced
1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and diced
4 raclette cheese slices
Fresh coriander, minced
Tabasco-style hot sauce

Preparation

Boil corn in its husk, 8 minutes.

Combine oil, onions and jalapeño.

Peel corn, leaving husk at the base.

Rub with the oil, onion and jalapeño mixture.

Grill corn on the barbecue.

Top each ear of hot corn with a cheese slice.

Garnish with green onions and hot sauce.

Pairing:

Recipe 3: Thai-Style Corn on the Cob

This time, the corn borrows its intense flavours and personality from an oil infused with exotic ingredients. The recipe is the creation of Dominique Sanschagrin, food-and-wine blogger and inveterate foodie: tastevino.com

(c) Tastevino

Ingredients:

4 ears of corn
60 mL (1/4 cup) hoisin sauce
15 mL (1 tbsp) soy sauce
5 mL (1 tsp) sesame oil
Lime juice
Sambal Oelek, to taste
Black and white sesame seeds, to taste

Preparation

Preheat barbecue on high.

Combine hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, lime juice and Sambal Oelek.

Brush mixture over corn.

Grill corn on every side.

Sprinkle sesame seeds over corn before serving.

Pairing:

Bon appétit!