Weight Watchers 2-Points Creamed Corn: A Guilt-Free Delight

My grandmother, bless her heart, made creamed corn that could stop traffic. It was a symphony of butter, heavy cream, and sugar – utterly divine, but definitely not waistline-friendly! This recipe brings back those comforting memories without the guilt, allowing me to savor that familiar flavor profile while staying on track. It’s proof that you don’t have to sacrifice taste for health!

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Total Time: 23 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Yield: About 2 cups
• Dietary Type: Weight Watchers Friendly, Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon light butter
• 1/4 cup scallion, minced
• 2 1/2 cups frozen corn kernels (no need to thaw frozen corn) or 2 1/2 cups fresh corn
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 cup skim milk
• 1/8 teaspoon table salt (or more, to taste)
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground (to taste)

Equipment Needed

• Large skillet
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula or spoon

Instructions

1. Begin by melting the light butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Ensuring the skillet is properly heated before adding the butter will prevent it from sticking and burning.

2. Add the minced scallions to the melted butter. Sauté the scallions until they soften and become fragrant, about 3 minutes. This step is crucial for building flavor; don’t rush it! The scallions should be translucent but not browned.

3. Introduce the corn to the skillet. Whether you’re using frozen kernels (no need to thaw them first!) or fresh corn, add 2 1/2 cups to the mixture. Sauté the corn for about 1 minute to heat it through, or slightly longer if using frozen corn. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.

4. Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour. Stir continuously to thoroughly coat the corn and scallions with the flour. This step helps to thicken the creamed corn later on, so make sure every kernel is lightly dusted. Cook for about 30 seconds to toast the flour slightly, which will enhance its flavor and prevent a raw taste.

5. Pour in the skim milk. Gradually add the milk while stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Simmering gently allows the flavors to meld together and the flour to fully dissolve.

6. Once the mixture is simmering, reduce the heat to low. Cook, uncovered, until the creamed corn thickens to your desired consistency, about 8 to 10 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and scorching. The mixture should be creamy and slightly thickened, but still pourable.

7. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Start with 1/8 teaspoon of each and adjust according to your preference. Remember that salt enhances the other flavors, so don’t be afraid to add a little more if needed. Freshly ground black pepper adds a lovely aroma and a subtle kick.

8. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Tips & Tricks

• For extra flavor: Consider adding a pinch of dried thyme or a dash of garlic powder to the skillet along with the scallions.
• Thickening woes: If your creamed corn isn’t thickening as much as you’d like, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the simmering mixture. Cook for a minute or two until thickened.
• Fresh vs. Frozen: While this recipe works beautifully with frozen corn, using fresh corn cut directly from the cob will give you the absolute best flavor and texture. If using fresh, be sure to scrape the cob after cutting off the kernels to extract all the milky goodness.
• Preventing Sticking: Use a non-stick skillet, or stir frequently, especially towards the end of cooking.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This Weight Watchers creamed corn is a fantastic side dish to grilled chicken, baked fish, or even a simple vegetarian burger. Its creamy texture and sweet flavor complement a wide variety of main courses.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short bursts until heated through. You may need to add a splash of skim milk to loosen the mixture if it has thickened too much. Creamed corn is not suitable for freezing, as the texture can become grainy upon thawing.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	148.7 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	26g	18%
Total Fat	2.9 g	4%
Saturated Fat	1.5 g	7%
Cholesterol	5.1 mg	1%
Sodium	130.4 mg	5%
Total Carbohydrate	28.2 g	9%
Dietary Fiber	2.4 g	9%
Sugars	0.1 g	0%
Protein	6.1 g	12%

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Variations & Substitutions

• Dairy-Free: Substitute the skim milk with unsweetened almond milk or soy milk for a dairy-free version. You may need to adjust the seasoning slightly.
• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free as written, but always double-check the label of your all-purpose flour to ensure it’s certified gluten-free if needed.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few drops of hot sauce to the skillet along with the corn for a touch of heat.
• Herbed Delight: Stir in a tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or basil at the end of cooking for a burst of freshness.
• Vegan Option: substitute the butter for a vegan butter alternative.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use canned corn instead of frozen or fresh?
A: While fresh or frozen corn is preferred for optimal texture, you can use canned corn in a pinch. Be sure to drain it well before adding it to the skillet.

Q: How can I make this creamed corn even creamier?
A: For a richer, creamier texture, blend about half of the cooked creamed corn in a blender or food processor and then stir it back into the skillet.

Q: Can I add cheese to this recipe?
A: Yes, you can! A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese or a dollop of cream cheese at the end of cooking will add extra flavor and creaminess, but be mindful of the added points if you’re following Weight Watchers.

Q: My creamed corn is too thin. How can I thicken it?
A: If your creamed corn is too thin, continue to cook it over low heat, stirring frequently, until it reaches your desired consistency. You can also mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the simmering mixture.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
A: Yes, this creamed corn is great for meal prepping. Prepare it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Weight Watchers 2-Points Creamed Corn is a testament to the fact that healthy eating can be both delicious and satisfying. It’s a simple, comforting side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience the joy of guilt-free indulgence. Feel free to experiment with different variations and let me know what you think. Bon appétit!