Corn Recipes

For Bhutta Toppings That Go Beyond Lemon-Salt-Chilli

Can you guess what this is all about? If you thought it’s about bhutta, aka roasted corn on the cob, then you are absolutely right. Come monsoon, and different parts of India see small carts and roadside vendors appear, all selling corn on the cob. It’s freshly roasted and spiced with the classic trio of lemon, chilli, and salt. You can adjust the seasonings, but what if you could change them altogether? Dive in to discover corn recipes for bhutta toppings that go beyond the classic combination. 

First and foremost, it’s important to get the perfectly roasted corn on the cob at home, so you can customize the toppings as per your taste. Get a corn on the cob and roast it directly over an open flame, grill pan, or oven broiler, turning it every 1–2 minutes to ensure even cooking. Continue until the kernels develop a mix of golden, brown, and lightly blackened spots, which create the characteristic smoky flavour of street-style bhutta. Once roasted, let it rest for a minute before applying your seasonings so the toppings adhere better without sliding off. 

Always prep your seasonings in advance, well before you begin roasting the bhutta. The bhutta is best seasoned and served while still hot. The residual heat helps butter melt, cheese soften, and spices cling better to the kernels. If you prepare your seasonings after roasting the bhutta, it will cool down, impacting the final flavour and texture. Warm corn also releases more aroma, making the smoky, roasted flavours more pronounced and ensuring every bite tastes well-seasoned. Now, let’s see some corn recipes for toppings.

Brush the hot bhutta with garlic butter and finish with cracked black pepper. This corn recipe results in a savoury, rich flavour. An easier way to apply the seasonings is to whisk the melted butter, garlic, and black pepper in a small bowl and brush the mixture on the hot bhutta. You can even add smoked paprika or red chilli powder to the mix for extra colour and heat.

If you like all things cheesy, then go for this corn recipe. Top the bhutta with grated processed cheese or Parmesan, mixed herbs, and a pinch of chilli flakes. The residual heat melts the cheese slightly, creating a creamy contrast to the smoky corn. This also gives you layers of flavour, rather than just cheesy or spicy. You can also mix herbs and chilli flakes in melted butter and apply on the bhutta, then sprinkle cheese on top at the end.

This one goes into the swicy category, pairing sweet and spicy flavours and adding a whole new flavour to the classic bhutta. Brush the freshly roasted bhutta with hot honey (or honey mixed with chilli flakes) and finish with lime zest and a squeeze of lemon juice. The honey amplifies the corn's natural sweetness, while the chilli and citrus prevent it from becoming cloying. The result is a sweet-spicy-tangy flavour profile that works surprisingly well with smoky roasted kernels.

If you are someone who enjoys mayo with everything, from hot momos to crisp spring rolls, then this corn recipe will satisfy your taste buds. Combine mayonnaise with peri peri seasoning and brush it over the corn. The creamy-spicy coating balances the sweetness of the kernels. It’s a more unusual combination, because of the creamy mayo that’s usually used as a dip on the side, rather than lathered on top of the cob. But once you try this combo, you might just return for a second helping!

Arguably the most aromatic combination of the lot, this corn recipe is ideal for soft monsoon evenings. Mix softened butter with lightly toasted cumin seeds, crushed fennel seeds, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Brush it over the hot corn just before serving. The cumin adds warmth and earthiness, while the fennel contributes a subtle sweetness and aroma that complements the roasted flavour without overpowering it.

The smoky aroma of charcoal-roasted corn is one of the most common monsoon memories in India. And while the classic seasoning slaps, there’s no reason why this street-side favourite can’t be turned into a gourmet dish. Experiment with these flavours, or go playful and make a corn recipe of your own!