Fresh Corn Cakes

with Tomatoes and Fried Sage
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Initial version

Authored by Shanzy
Serves 4 (Makes 12 Cakes)

Ingredients

  • 1 c corn kernels (from about 2 ears of fresh corn or use frozen, thawed)
  • 1 large egg beaten
  • 1 c buttermilk plus more as needed
  • 3/4 c cornmeal
  • 1/4 up all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp kosher salt plus more as needed
  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter melted
  • Extra-virgin olive oil for frying
  • 1 tbsp whole small fresh sage leaves
  • 3 garlic cloves smashed and peeled
  • 1 lb tomatoes (about 2 large) roughly diced into 1/4-inch pieces
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Coarse salt for sprinkling
  • Whole-milk Greek yogurt or crème fraîche for serving (optional) Optional

Instructions

1

In a food processor or blender, grind the corn kernels to a rough puree, then add the egg and buttermilk, and pulse to mix. Add the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt, and pulse until just mixed to make a thick batter. Stir in 4 tablespoons melted butter. Set aside for 5 minutes. Thin with a little more buttermilk if necessary. The mixture should be thick but still pourable.

2

Heat a thin film of oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-low heat. Use a 1/4 cup measure to drop the batter into the skillet, cooking them in batches until browned on each side, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Add oil as necessary to the skillet. When the pancakes are all done, transfer to a platter and cover with foil to keep warm.

3

Make the tomato topping: Melt 1 tablespoon butter in the pan (you don't need to wipe it out first unless there are burned bits sticking to the bottom). Add the sage and cook until crisped, about 2 minutes; use a slotted spoon to transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate; sprinkle with salt.

4

Add the remaining 1 tablespoon butter to the skillet along with the smashed garlic cloves, and cook until they are browned at the edges and softened, about 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 1 minute or so to heat through. Keep warm.

5

Top the warm pancakes with the tomato and garlic mixture, sprinkle with fried sage and coarse salt, and serve with yogurt if you like.