- 3 ears of corn, shucked
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 3 large shiitake mushrooms (2 ounces), stems discarded and caps cut into 1/2-inch dice
- 1/4 cup diced sweet onion
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
DIRECTIONS:
- Cut the corn kernels from the cobs and transfer half of them to a blender. Using the dull side of a knife, scrape the pulp from the cobs into the blender. Add the egg and milk; puree until smooth.
- In a very large nonstick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil. Add the shiitake and onion and cook over high heat, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned about 5 minutes. Add the remaining corn and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Scrape the mixture onto a plate and freeze just until no longer hot, about 5 minutes.
- In a bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in the puree, then fold in the corn kernels, shiitake, and onion.
- Wipe out the skillet and add the remaining 1/2 cup of oil. When it is hot, add eight level 1/4-cup mounds of batter to the skillet and spread them to a 1/2-inch thickness. Fry over moderately high heat, turning once, until the fritters are golden and crusty, about 4 minutes. Drain on paper towels and serve warm.
