Caramelized Sweet Corn and Zucchini

Many dinners at our house include grilled steak, chicken, or roasted fish. During the bountiful summer months, fresh fruits and vegetables are overflowing at the market and make preparing side dishes a no-brainer. As the weather grows cooler and even to colder, the farmers' markets close for the season and the variety of vegetables dwindles. I am always trying to add an interesting side dish to make dinner....well....more interesting.

Steaming broccoli or roasting baby carrots are acceptable vegetable sides at our dinner table, but they don't have the "wow" factor. Dinner should be more than just eating food. Gathering with family and friends to talk about the day's events and sharing a delicious meal is what dinner should be about.

The variety of frozen vegetables in the grocery store freezer section is wide ranging. Several freezer staples such as petit peas and corn make acceptable stand-ins for their fresh counterparts. Frozen vegetables make a perfect base for a tasty side dish that takes only minutes to prepare.

Caramelized Sweet Corn and Zucchini combines frozen sweet corn (or fresh if it is available), a fresh zucchini, scallions, half and half, and a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese make for a more tasty version of creamed corn. My Oldest liked the slightly caramelized vegetables while My Middle One commented that the dish would be good mixed with pasta. A budding chef she is.

Serve some Caramelized Sweet Corn and Zucchini tonight. That lonely piece of chicken on your dinner plate won't be so lonely anymore.


Caramelized Sweet Corn and Zucchini
serves 6
2 tablespoons butter
1 (1 pound) package frozen sweet corn or 3 1/2 cups fresh corn
1 zucchini, diced
2 scallions, chopped
1/3 cup half and half
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Heat a large saute pan to medium high and add the butter. When it has melted, add the corn, zucchini, and scallions. Cook for 6 - 8 minutes or until the vegetables begin to brown. Add the half and half and continue to cook until the liquid reduces and thickens, about 3 - 4 minutes. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and season with the salt and pepper.