Ingredients

1. 2 tablespoons canola oil
2. 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
3. 1/2 cinnamon stick
4. 1/2 tablespoon allspice berries
5. 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
6. 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper
7. 1/2 dried red chile
8. 1 medium shallot, coarsely chopped
9. 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh ginger
10. 1 gallon water
11. 4 ears of corn, shucked
12. 1 teaspoon ground cumin
13. 1 teaspoon chaat masala (see Note)
14. 1 teaspoon kosher or coarse sea salt
15. 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
16. 3 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
17. 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

Directions

1. In a large saucepan, heat the canola oil. Add the coriander seeds, cinnamon stick, allspice berries, turmeric, cracked black pepper and dried chile and cook over moderate heat until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the shallot and ginger and cook, stirring, until softened, about 2 minutes. Add the water and bring to a boil over moderate heat. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes. Add the corn and simmer, uncovered, until tender, about 5 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, in a small skillet, toast the ground cumin over moderate heat until fragrant, about 10 seconds. Scrape the cumin into a small bowl and let cool. Stir in the chaat masala, salt and cayenne.
3. Brush the corn with melted butter and drizzle with the lime juice. Sprinkle the spiced salt over the corn and serve at once.

Make Ahead

The aromatic cooking liquid can be refrigerated overnight. The spice mixture can be stored in a jar for up to 2 days.

Notes

Chaat masala is a spice blend that can be found at Indian and Middle Eastern markets.