Mexican Street Corn (Elote) – A Flavor Explosion in a Cob
Elote, or Mexican street corn, is a popular and delicious dish that encapsulates the vibrant and rich flavors of Mexican cuisine. This dish typically consists of grilled corn on the cob, generously coated with a mixture of mayonnaise, cheese, and spices, then finished with a squeeze of fresh lime juice. It’s a perfect blend of creamy, tangy, savory, and slightly spicy elements, making it an irresistible treat.
###Ingredients:
For the Corn:
– 4 ears of corn, husked
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for grilling)
For the Topping:
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 1 cup cotija cheese, crumbled (or feta cheese as a substitute)
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for an extra kick)
– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
– 1 lime, cut into wedges
###Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Grill
1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F/200°C).
2. Lightly oil the grates to prevent the corn from sticking.
Step 2: Grill the Corn
1. Brush the ears of corn with vegetable oil.
2. Place the corn on the grill and cook, turning occasionally, until the kernels are tender and slightly charred in spots, about 8-10 minutes.
Step 3: Prepare the Topping
1. In a medium bowl, mix together the mayonnaise and sour cream until smooth.
2. In a separate small bowl, combine the chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.
Step 4: Assemble the Elote
1. Once the corn is grilled, remove it from the grill and place it on a large serving platter.
2. Using a brush or a spoon, generously coat each ear of corn with the mayonnaise-sour cream mixture.
3. Sprinkle the crumbled cotija cheese evenly over the corn, ensuring a good coating.
4. Dust the spice mixture evenly over the cheese-coated corn.
5. Sprinkle the freshly chopped cilantro on top for garnish.
Step 5: Serve
1. Serve the Mexican street corn immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top.
2. Enjoy this flavorful and vibrant dish as a side or even as a scrumptious appetizer!
This delectable Mexican Street Corn recipe will surely be a hit, combining charred and sweet corn with creamy, cheesy, and zesty toppings, bringing a little bit of Mexico right to your table.