Type of Smoking: Hot/Warm Smoking Recommended
Temperature: Moderate indirect heat
Time: Smoking time typically ranges from about 40 to 50 minutes.
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Prepare the Corn: Remove the husks and silk from the corn, leaving the stalk intact.
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Rinse the Corn: Wash the corn thoroughly to remove any remaining silk.
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Soak the Corn: Before smoking, soak the corn in water for about 30 minutes. This helps prevent the corn from drying out during smoking.
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Preheat for Hot/Warm Smoking: Preheat your smoker for hot or warm smoking. Place the soaked corn in the smoker. Smoking time can vary from 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the desired smokiness and tenderness. Adjust the cooking time as needed while monitoring the corn's progress.
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Add Smoke Flavor: You can achieve various flavors by using different types of wood chips or chunks for smoking.
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Check Doneness: The corn is ready when it becomes tender and develops a slight char. You can test the tenderness by poking the corn with a fork or gently squeezing it.
Recommended Smoking Chips
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Hickory Chips: Hickory smoking chips provide a rich, smoky flavor that pairs well with smoked meats and vegetables. They complement the unique sweetness of corn.
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Maple Chips: Maple smoking chips offer a sweet aroma and mild smoky flavor. They enhance the natural sweetness of corn and create a balanced taste.
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Oak Chips: Oak smoking chips have a relatively neutral flavor that works well with various ingredients. They can accentuate the flavor of corn while adding a smoky touch.
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Fruitwood Chips: Smoking chips made from fruit trees are also popular. Apple, cherry, pecan, and other fruitwood chips can impart a subtle sweetness to corn when used for smoking.
Recipes with Smoked Corn
Smoked Corn Chowder
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Cut the smoked corn and sauté it lightly in olive oil.
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Add onions, carrots, and celery and sauté until they become soft.
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Pour in vegetable or chicken broth and let it simmer.
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Remove some of the smoked corn and crush it to add creaminess.
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Add heavy cream or milk and continue to simmer while adjusting the flavor.
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Season with salt, pepper, and optionally, herbs and spices to taste.
Smoked Corn Chili Dip
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Finely chop the smoked corn.
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Dice canned or fresh tomatoes.
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Add finely chopped onions, garlic, and red chili pepper. Sauté and simmer thoroughly.
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Add the smoked corn and continue to simmer to infuse flavors.
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Season with salt, pepper, and optionally, herbs and spices to taste.
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Enjoy with tortilla chips or nachos!