Dominican Corn Cheese Bake

Ingredients

In this adaptation, we have incorporated Dominica's culinary influences to create a unique twist on the traditional Korean Corn Cheese. We have replaced some of the original ingredients with local Dominican alternatives, such as using locally sourced cheese and adding a hint of Caribbean spices to enhance the flavor profile. The dish still maintains the essence of the original, but with a distinct Dominican touch. We alse have the original recipe for Korean Corn Cheese, so you can check it out.

• 4 cups (600g) fresh corn kernels 4 cups (600g) fresh corn kernels
• 1 tablespoon butter 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup (240ml) coconut milk 1 cup (240ml) coconut milk
• 2 cups (200g) grated Dominican cheese 2 cups (200g) grated Dominican cheese
• 1 teaspoon Caribbean spice blend (such as a mixture of thyme, paprika, and allspice) 1 teaspoon Caribbean spice blend (such as a mixture of thyme, paprika, and allspice)
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 12g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 38g, 8g
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the fresh corn kernels to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. 4.
   Pour in the coconut milk and bring to a simmer. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
5. 5.
   Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the grated Dominican cheese until melted and well combined.
6. 6.
   Season the mixture with the Caribbean spice blend, salt, and pepper to taste.
7. 7.
   Transfer the corn and cheese mixture to a baking dish and spread it evenly.
8. 8.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
9. 9.
   Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
10. 10.
    Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Coconut milk — Shake the can well before using to ensure the cream and liquid are well combined.
• Dominican cheese — If you can't find Dominican cheese, you can substitute it with a mild cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese.
• Caribbean spice blend — You can make your own blend by combining equal parts of dried thyme, paprika, and allspice.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese mixture.
• Serve the Dominican Corn Cheese Bake as a side dish with grilled meats or as a main course with a side salad.
• Feel free to add diced bell peppers or jalapeños for an extra burst of flavor and color.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven or microwave.
• Experiment with different types of cheese to create your own unique flavor combination.

Serving advice

Serve the Dominican Corn Cheese Bake hot, straight from the oven. It pairs well with a side of fresh salad or steamed vegetables.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle some fresh cilantro leaves on top of the baked dish. The vibrant green color will add a pop of freshness and make the dish even more visually appealing.