Esquites, a beloved Mexican street food, offers a vibrant explosion of flavors and textures in every bite. Imagine a delightful medley of sweet corn kernels, creamy mayonnaise, cotija cheese's sharp tang, and the subtle heat of chili powder, all coming together in a perfect harmony. This isn't just a dish; it's an experience, a taste of authentic Mexican street food culture that you can easily recreate at home. The irresistible combination of fresh ingredients and simple preparation makes esquites a crowd-pleaser, perfect for a casual gathering or a quick and satisfying meal.
Beyond its deliciousness, esquites are remarkably versatile. You can customize it to your liking, adding ingredients such as lime juice for extra zest, cilantro for freshness, or even a sprinkle of your favorite spices. Ready to embark on a culinary journey and savor the authentic taste of Mexico? Let's dive into the step-by-step process of making this incredible dish.
Tools Needed
- Cake mold
- Pot
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Styrofoam cups
- Spoon
Ingredients
- Corn (white ears): 7
- Onion: 1/4 of a medium onion
- Garlic: 2 cloves
- Oil
- Butter: 4 teaspoons
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon + 1/4 teaspoon
- White pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
- Water
- Epazote
- Mayonnaise
- Lemon
- Cotija cheese
- Chili powder (Tajín)
- Valentina hot sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Corn
- Remove the leaves from the seven ears of corn and wash thoroughly.
- Using a cake mold, remove the corn kernels.
Step 2. Sauté and Simmer
- Finely chop the onion, garlic.
- In a medium pot over medium heat, add oil and butter.
- Sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
- Add the corn kernels, salt, white pepper, and water.
- Stir in the epazote. Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes.
Step 3. Serve the Esquites
- Remove the epazote. Serve the esquites warm in styrofoam cups.
Step 4. Add Toppings
- Top with mayonnaise, lemon juice, cotija cheese, chili powder, and Valentina hot sauce to taste.
Read more: Easy Mexican Macaroni Salad Recipe (Cold Salad)
Tips
- For traditional esquites, use only white corn.
- To prevent crying while chopping onions, wet the knife.
- Add oil before butter to prevent the butter from burning.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I make esquites ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the corn and other ingredients, then refrigerate separately. Combine just before serving to maintain the best texture and freshness.
2. What if I don't have cotija cheese? What can I substitute?
A good substitute for cotija cheese is feta cheese or even a sharp cheddar cheese, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.
3. How can I make my esquites spicier?
Add more chili powder, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to adjust the heat to your preference.
With its vibrant flavors and simple preparation, this authentic esquites recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the satisfying crunch and explosion of taste in every spoonful of this delicious Mexican street corn. Now go forth and create your own perfect bowl of esquites!