We recently prepared in class this Black Bean and Corn Salad. Julie Inglis, one of my regular students, commented, “This is delicious. . . . our last taste of summer”.
Black Bean and Corn Salad is great to serve as a side dish, as a first course, for lunch or as an hors d’oeuvres in Belgian endive leaves. I place the corn salad and the black bean salad along side of each other so the black beans do not bleed into the corn.
You can still buy corn from open air and farmers markets. During colder months I buy corn from produce stores and some supermarkets. Always ask: “Was the corn delivered today?” and if the produce person said yes then I buy it. The sugar in corn turns to starch overnight so when you return home, steam or boil it right away to preserve all the sugar and that sweet wonderful appealing taste of corn.
Black Bean and Corn Salad and Tomato Salad
© Karen Lee 2012
1 cup black beans, washed, drained, covered with water by 7 inches, soaked for 8 hours, drained and simmered covered in 2 cups of water and one bay leaf for 1 hour or until soft. When the beans have cooked through, you should have no more than 2 tablespoons of water in bottom of pan. Add 1 teaspoon of salt to the black beans at the end of the cooking. Allow to cool. This step can be done three days in advance.
4-8 ears of corn (buy and cook same day). Steam or boil for 4 minutes. Shocking is not necessary. After cooling, shave off corn kernels.
1 cup cherry tomatoes, cut in half or quarters if they are large
½ cup snipped chives or ¼ cup scallions cut into 1/8- inch rounds
1/3 cup red onion, diced, then soaked in ice water for 15 minutes, drained
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (opt.)
2 tablespoons chopped dill
Dressing:
1 ½ tablespoons rice vinegar
1 ½ tablespoons aged sherry vinegar
3 tablespoons olive oil
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon ground cumin
Place the tomatoes and corn in one bowl and toss gently with dressing.
Dress the black beans separately.
Scatter arugula or water cress or mesculin on a serving platter or individual plates.
Add herbs and scallions to the black beans and toss.
Place the corn mixture and the black beans side by side over the greens.
Madeline says
Love the use of what’s in season. I have been seeing corn at the markets.Can’t wait to try this.
Karen Lee says
Dear Madeline,
Glad this recipe appeals to you.
Let me know how it turns out.
kl
Debbie says
Thank you for sharing .. I love this recipe..
Karen Lee says
Dear Debbie,
Good to hear from you.
When you try the black beans and corn salad, let me know where you bought the corn.
kl