orzo salad with raw(?) corn

[redcrane]

Do you think the recipe "Orzo Salad with Corn, Tomatoes, and Basil" really intends us to use raw corn?

[redcrane]

no

[masimmons]

I made this recipe - really good - and boiled the corn (after cutting off the cob) for about 5 minutes. To me, it was very good and cooked just long enough. I have never heard of eating raw corn so added this step to the recipe.

[Ralph]

Yes, you're to use corn right off the cob. There was a previous posting about this - just can't find it right now since the BB (& search function) isn't working up to snuff.

I've come across many recipes calling for "raw" corn & they've all turned out quite good.

[SQ]

When I made this I placed the corn in the colander before pouring the orzo and boiling water into it to drain. It was okay, but next time I'll cook the corn first; I think that'll make it slightly sweeter.

[emilycat]

Ralph's correct -- there was a thread about this question, and the CL test kitchens did intend for the corn to be raw. Of course, you can make it whichever way you choose, but I love raw corn. I'd rather eat a fresh-picked ear off the cob than cooking it first. It has a sweetness and delicacy that I think would make the dish with the fresh basil and tomatoes.

[kwormann]

I hadnt ever had raw corn until the last thread on the subject (and I grew up in Indiana!). It was the sweetest thing Ive ever had!

[SusanMac]

Raw corn sounds strange, but is really good. In fact, when used in salads, etc (any style off the cob) it doesn't really taste that different from cooked.

[Terrytx]

I never cook the corn for salad. I agree with the others, it is so sweet and delicious right of the cob. I have even used frozen corn, thawed but not cooked.

[Jennett]

Since I had this salad for lunch today (made with raw corn), I just wanted to report that I found this dish to be quite tasty. And since it only required cooking the orzo, it was definitely a good idea based on the weather conditions (ughh!). I did think the salad could use the slightest little kick though, and so I added a smidge of crumbled feta to it. :)

[JohnK]

If we don't call for the corn to be cooked, i.e. in the intructions then we intend the corn to be raw. Raw ripe corn is crisp, sweet, and juicy. These were tested with regular sweet corn but it would probably be even better with the super sweet varieties. With the exception of feed corn or genetically modified corn I don't think there should be any concern about eating raw corn.