Equipment
Ingredients
Corn Base
- 5 fresh corn on the cob, raw
- 250 ml water
Custard
- 400 ml coconut milk, full fat
- 150 g granulated sugar
- 2 g fine sea salt
Garnish
- ground cinnamon
Nutrition (per serving)
Method
Stand each ear of corn vertically on a cutting board and slice downwards with a sharp knife to remove the kernels. Scrape the cob with the back of the knife to extract the milky starch residue.
Combine the corn kernels, cob scrapings, and water in a blender. Blend on high speed for 2-3 minutes until completely pulverized and smooth.
Pour the corn mixture through a fine mesh sieve (or nut milk bag) into a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Press firmly on the solids to extract as much liquid (corn juice) as possible; discard the dry fibrous solids.
Add the coconut milk, sugar, and salt to the saucepan with the strained corn juice. Whisk to combine.
Cook over medium heat (approx. 85°C/185°F), whisking constantly to prevent lumps. The mixture will begin to thicken rapidly as the corn starch activates.
Reduce heat to low and continue cooking for 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently, to cook out the raw starch flavor and reach a glossy, creamy texture.
Pour the hot mixture into individual ramekins or a large serving dish. Allow to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.
Dust generously with ground cinnamon before serving.
Chef's Notes
- Select the freshest corn possible; older corn has less milk and more starch, which can make the texture pasty rather than creamy.
- Do not skip scraping the cobs after cutting the kernels; the 'milk' in the cob contains the sweetest flavor and essential thickening starches.
- The thickness depends entirely on the natural starch content of your specific corn. If it is too thin after 15 minutes, you can simmer longer to reduce, or whisk in a tiny slurry of commercial cornstarch (though this shouldn't be necessary with good corn).
- For a warm variation, this can be eaten immediately after cooking, similar to porridge.
Storage
Refrigerator: 3 days — Cover surface directly with plastic wrap to prevent skin formation.
