**Esquites: A Delightful Mexican Street Corn Salad**
Esquites, a delectable Mexican street corn salad, tantalizes taste buds with its vibrant flavors and textures. Made with fresh corn kernels, creamy mayonnaise, tangy lime juice, and a medley of spices, this salad is a symphony of sweet, savory, and zesty notes. The charred corn kernels add a smoky depth of flavor, while the cotija cheese and cilantro provide a salty and herbaceous balance. This versatile dish can be enjoyed as a refreshing side salad, a light lunch, or a flavorful topping for tacos or nachos.
**Recipe 1: Traditional Esquites**
This classic recipe captures the essence of esquites with its simple yet satisfying ingredients. Fresh corn kernels are roasted until slightly charred, then combined with mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, and a touch of salt. The salad is garnished with cotija cheese and cilantro for an explosion of flavor and texture.
**Recipe 2: Spicy Esquites**
For those who love a bit of heat, this recipe adds a spicy kick to the traditional esquites. Jalapeños and cayenne pepper bring a fiery touch, while the addition of paprika and cumin adds a smoky and earthy dimension. This salad is sure to awaken your taste buds and leave you craving more.
**Recipe 3: Creamy Chipotle Esquites**
This recipe takes esquites to the next level with the addition of creamy chipotle sauce. Made with roasted chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, and sour cream, the sauce adds a smoky, tangy, and slightly spicy flavor to the salad. The result is a rich and decadent dish that will satisfy even the most discerning palate.
**Recipe 4: Black Bean and Corn Esquites**
For a more substantial and protein-packed version of esquites, this recipe incorporates black beans. The combination of corn and black beans creates a hearty and flavorful salad that is perfect as a main course or a side dish. The addition of diced tomatoes and bell peppers adds a refreshing crunch and vibrant color to the dish.
**Recipe 5: Grilled Corn and Avocado Esquites**
This recipe puts a unique twist on esquites by grilling the corn kernels instead of roasting them. The grilled corn adds a smoky and slightly charred flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy avocado. The addition of red onion, cilantro, and a tangy dressing completes this refreshing and flavorful salad.
ESQUITES
This esquites recipe yields a deliciously creamy, tangy and spicy Mexican corn salad. Serve it in a bowl or small individual cups, as it's typically served in Mexico. Esquites are also called elote en vaso. Recipe yields 4 small side servings and is easily doubled for a crowd; if doubling, give the corn extra time in the pan to turn nicely golden.
Provided by Cookie and Kate
Categories Side dish
Time 20m
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Melt the butter in a large skillet, preferably cast iron, over medium heat. Once melted, add the corn and the salt (if using frozen corn, no need to defrost first). Cook, stirring just every minute or so, until the corn is warmed through and turning golden on the edges, about 5 to 8 minutes (turn the heat down to low if the corn starts jumping out of the pan).
- Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds, then remove the skillet from the heat. Let the corn cool for a few minutes, then transfer it to a medium mixing bowl.
- Add the remaining ingredients to the bowl (the mayonnaise, optional jalapeño, lime juice, chili powder, optional cayenne, cheese and cilantro). Stir to combine. Season to taste with additional salt, if needed.
- To serve, divide the mixture between small cups and garnish individual servings with a wedge of lime, perhaps a sprinkle of additional cheese and chili powder. Leftovers keep well, refrigerated, for about 4 days.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 283 calories, Sugar 7.4 g, Sodium 518.8 mg, Fat 20.7 g, SaturatedFat 6.3 g, TransFat 0 g, Carbohydrate 23 g, Fiber 2.7 g, Protein 5.5 g, Cholesterol 37.8 mg
MEXICAN STREET CORN SALAD (ESQUITES) RECIPE
This esquites recipe offers all the delights of Mexican street corn (elotes) in salad form, and you don't even have to fire up the grill to make it.
Provided by J. Kenji López-Alt
Categories Side Dish Appetizers and Hors d'Oeuvres Quick and Easy Sides
Time 20m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet or wok over high heat until shimmering. Add corn kernels, season to taste with salt, toss once or twice, and cook without moving until charred on one side, about 2 minutes. Toss corn, stir, and repeat until charred on second side, about 2 minutes longer. Continue tossing and charring until corn is well charred all over, about 10 minutes total. Transfer to a large bowl.
- Add cheese, scallions, cilantro, jalapeño, garlic, mayonnaise, lime juice, and chile powder and toss to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and more chile powder to taste. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 276 kcal, Carbohydrate 26 g, Cholesterol 17 mg, Fiber 3 g, Protein 7 g, SaturatedFat 4 g, Sodium 361 mg, Sugar 6 g, Fat 18 g, ServingSize Serves 4, UnsaturatedFat 0 g
Tips:
- Fresher is better: Use fresh corn on the cob for the best flavor. If you can't find fresh corn, frozen corn is a good alternative.
- Grill or roast the corn: Grilling or roasting the corn gives it a slightly smoky flavor that complements the other ingredients in the salad.
- Don't overcook the corn: Overcooked corn will be tough and chewy. Cook the corn just until it is tender.
- Use a variety of toppings: The toppings for esquites can be customized to your liking. Some popular toppings include cotija cheese, cilantro, lime juice, chili powder, and cayenne pepper.
- Serve immediately: Esquites is best served immediately after it is made. The longer it sits, the more the flavors will meld together and the salad will become less flavorful.
Conclusion:
Esquites is a delicious and refreshing salad that is perfect for summer gatherings. It is easy to make and can be customized to your liking. With its vibrant flavors and colors, esquites is sure to be a hit at your next party or potluck.
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