The First Summer Corn

One evening this week, I realized I still had an ear of corn in the vegetable bin, and wanted to enjoy those fresh kernels of summer. However, with only one ear of it I also knew that would not be enough to be my entire dinner, so I improvised. I sliced the kernels off the corn cob and sauteed them with a little butter. When they were just a little tender and fragrant, I added in my chopped Tokyo Bekana, which is simply a lovely, slightly curly green. (I'm not too proud to admit that I also ate several spoonfuls of corn kernels at this point, as well.)

Corn and Tokyo Bekana

I also cooked up some little cheese ravioli to add a bit of protein to the plate. When the pasta was done cooking, and the greens were softening a bit, I added a few spoons of ricotta to the pan with the greens and corn. I then dumped in the pasta.

After about another minute of stirring it together, the ricotta began to soften and melt, making a sauce that held the greens and corn to the pasta, melding it into a plateful of light, summery scrumptiousness.

Ravioli with Ricotta, Corn and Tokyo Bekana

The Italian Job

Some nights there is too much to do to spend much time on dinner. On such nights, the preparation work I've done earlier in the week comes in very handy! I quickly cooked some angel hair pasta, which only takes a few minutes. While the pasta cooked, I sliced a clove of garlic and cut up two tomatoes.

When the pasta was done, I drained it, leaving a little of the pasta water in the saucepan, and added a bit of olive oil. I added the tomatoes and garlic and sauteed them until they softened. Then I stirred in some of the pesto I had in the fridge.

I then added the pasta to the mixture, and stirred in two spoonfuls of ricotta cheese. As I stirred it together, the cheese melted into it and the pesto coated the pasta. It smelled great. I added a little salt and fresh ground pepper to season it, and then served it up!

While it was a quick dinner, it still tasted fresh, flavorful and filling. I'll have to use this combination again!