Fried Corn

Jimmy crack corn, I don’t care,
Jimmy crack corn, I don’t care,
Jimmy crack corn, I don’t care,
Ole Massa gone away.
No one is certain about the origin of Jimmy Crack Corn but it was a minstrel tune that was likely borrowed from enslaved African American people made popular by Whites in the 1840’s. President Abraham Lincoln requested the song be performed just prior to the Gettysburg Address. The song seems to be about an enslaved man, Jimmy, who is tried yet acquitted for the murder of his master. The popularity of the song with African Americans in the 20th Century lies in the interpretation that due to the masters’ demise, Jimmy is free from his oppressor even if fleetingly and temporary. I learned the song as a child, probably from a Warner Bothers Bugs Bunny cartoon, but I did not know the contextual meaning until now. The last line I would sing was “my horse has run away” instead of “ole massa gone away.” How appalling I was exposed to this song in children’s cartoons and, likely, in school. Jimmy Crack Corn is probably a reference to corn liquor. I cannot attest to the merits of the beverage, but I can claim with authority the joy that Fried Corn can bring.
I am reading one of a very few written accounts of African enslaved life in the 18th and 19th centuries. Mary Prince was the first enslaved woman to petition Parliament for her freedom. Mary describes the horrific treatment under one of her masters:
I was immediately sent to work in the salt water with the rest of the slaves. I was given a half barrel and a shovel, and had to stand up to my knees in the water, from four o’clock in the morning till nine, when we were given some Indian corn boiled in water.
We were then called again to our tasks, and worked through the heat of the day; the sun flaming upon our heads like fire, and raising salt blisters in those parts which were not completely covered. Our feet and legs, from standing in the salt water for so many hours, soon became full of dreadful boils, which eat down in some cases to the bone.
We came home at twelve; ate our corn soup as fast as we could, and went back to our employment till dark at night. We slept in a long shed, divided into narrow slips. Boards fixed upon stakes driven into the ground, without mat or covering, were our only beds.”
Indian Corn, or Corn remains an integral part of the African American Heritage Diet. Fried Corn is prepared by cutting the kernels off of the cob and then adding milk, seasonings and flour, never sugar. Fresh corn off the cob, like all fresh vegetables, is naturally sweet. A quick Guaymas Shrimp would be great with this dish and a nice Kale Salad.

Fried Corn
Equipment
- Medium to Large Knife
- Cutting Board
- Large Frying Pan
- Wooden Spoon
Ingredients
- 4 Cups Fresh Organic Corn Equivalent to 5 to 6 Ears of Corn
- 3 tbsp Butter Vegan: Earth Balance Buttery Spread
- 2 tbsp Flour
- ¾ cup Organic Milk Vegan: Unsweetened Hemp Milk
- 1½ tsp Jane's Krazy Mixed-Up Salt
- ½ tsp Redmond's Real Salt
- ¼ tsp White Pepper Black Pepper is fine if you don't have white
Instructions
- Shuck and wash corn cobs paying attention to removal of the silk.
- Remove corn from cob by cutting off the end and standing the cob up perpendicular to the cutting board. Slice downward to release kernels. Set aside.
- Add butter to pan on medium heat.
- Once butter is melted add in corn, flour and seasonings, stirring constantly.
- Add milk then stir making sure the flour completely dissolves into the liquid without lumping.
- Reduce heat to low, stir frequently to ensure the corn does not stick to the pan.
- Cook for about 20 minutes and serve.
Wow, this dish looks really delicious, aside from that it is so easy to make. I will definitely making this for tonight, thank you!
Wow, this dish looks really delicious, aside from that it is so easy to make. I will definitely be making this for tonight’s dinner, thank you!
Wow, this dish looks really delicious, aside from that it is so easy to make. I will definitely be making this for tonight’s dinner, thank you!
I LOVE that you have FRESH, organic corn as your ingredient because it REALLY does make a difference! I can’t wait to make this after my corn grows this summer!
I’ve never had fried corn before and I’m stoked to find this recipe so I can make it at home. Bookmarking for the weekend!
Fried corn sounds absolutely fabulous and I can’t wait to make this during corn season!
Wow what a unique way to cook corn! Such a fabulous and delish side dish. This one is perfect for summer.
Oh wow this corn recipe looks delicious! Perfect for the upcoming summer months!
Wow! What a delicious way to make corn! My family raved about your recipe!
Was so happy to find this recipe. My grandma use to make this all the time. This fried corn is so easy to make. We literally had to stop ourselves from eating the entire pot.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it Nija, the recipe is one my mother used to make!
This was my first time making fried corn. I am so happy I found your recipe. Thank you for the rich history of the dish and the great recipe instructions!
Thank you so much Lilly!
This fried corn reminded me of my grannies house! It tastes just like the delicious classic she used to make me!
Thank you Tamara! Good memories emanate from our Grannie’s kitchens.
I love fried corn! It’s one of my favorite side dishes to make. This was so simple to make and came out so delicious! Thanks for the recipe.
Thank you, I’m happy you enjoyed it.
I don’t think I’ve ever made fried corn, but I think this may be my new go-to way of making it. Thanks for the history in the beginning of your post, too. I love your posts because of them.
Thank you Marta!
I’ve eaten fried corn, but never actually made it. So glad I stumbled across this recipe, and you used fresh corn! I’ll definitely be making this again!
I love corn anything so thank you for this recipe, so thank you for this delicious recipe.
I always love the stories and history lessons you share in your posts. The corn came out delicious and I’ll be making this all corn season long!
This was my first time trying fried corn and the flavors were amazing! Can’t wait to make this again!
I’d never tried fried corn before this. I was really impressed! This dish made the perfect side and everyone asked for seconds.