Sweet Corn Guacamole

I've been away from my favorite veggie for the past four years, and now we meet again. Sweet corn and I have some catching up to do, and this guacamole is where we start.

Living in Italy for the past four years, I’ve been away from two of my favorite things: fresh sweet corn and authentic Mexican food. For some bizarre reason, I never encountered fresh ears of corn while living in Florence, despite the city being home to some of Italy’s most beautiful farmers markets. I’m not sure if the corn stays in the North for polenta production or if there’s simply less demand for it, but its definitely missed in the city.

Beyond corn, Mexican food is another culinary love I’ve missed over these past three years. If you’ve lived in Europe, you know that decent Mexican restaurants are hard to find. While Florence now has some great joints like Raices Latin Food by Palazzo Strozzi and Tosco Tacos in Sant’Ambrogio, nothing compares to the authentic Mexican food I grew up with in Los Angeles. This sweet corn guacamole is my love letter to both of those things: a celebration of my favorite veggie, sweet corn, bold Mexican flavors, and coming home.

Ingredients:

• 2 ears of corn, husked and kernels removed from the cob

• 3 ripe avocados, halved, pitted, and mashed

• Juice of 1 lemon with some extra wedges on the side

• 1 bunch of scallion, thinly sliced

• 1 finely diced jalapeño, with seeds and white membrane removed

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1½ teaspoons MSG

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

• Tortilla chips or fresh vegetable slices for serving

Preparation:

1. Husk the corn, remove the silk, and cut the kernels from the cob. Transfer the corn to a large mixing bowl.

2. Cut each avocado in half lengthwise, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh into the mixing bowl.

3. Add the lemon juice, sliced scallions, diced jalapeño, minced garlic, and MSG to the bowl. Stir until well combined.

4. Salt and ground black pepper to taste. Serve with tortilla chips or sliced veggies and extra lemon wedges.