Elote Recipe

If you’ve ever wandered the vibrant streets of Mexico, you may have encountered the irresistible aroma of elote, or Mexican street corn. This delightful treat is a perfect blend of smoky, sweet, and spicy flavors that make for an unforgettable culinary experience. Today, I’m excited to share a classic elote recipe that will transport your taste buds straight to the bustling mercados of Mexico. Let’s dive in!

What is Elote?

Elote is a popular Mexican street food that consists of grilled corn on the cob slathered in a creamy, tangy sauce and sprinkled with various toppings. The word “elote” literally translates to “corn cob” in Spanish. It’s a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish that’s perfect for summer barbecues, family gatherings, or just a tasty snack.

Ingredients

To make authentic elote, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 4 ears of fresh corn, husked
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup Mexican crema (or sour cream as a substitute)
• 1/2 cup cotija cheese, crumbled (or feta cheese as a substitute)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 lime, cut into wedges
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
• Salt, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Grill the Corn

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you don’t have a grill, you can use a grill pan or even your oven’s broiler.
2. Place the husked corn directly on the grill grates. Grill for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the corn is tender and charred in spots. The smoky flavor from the grill is what gives elote its distinctive taste.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

1. While the corn is grilling, prepare the sauce by mixing the mayonnaise, Mexican crema, chili powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Stir until well combined. This creamy mixture is what will make your elote irresistible.

Step 3: Assemble the Elote

1. Once the corn is grilled to perfection, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly.
2. Using a brush or a spoon, generously coat each ear of corn with the creamy sauce. Make sure to cover all sides for maximum flavor.
3. Sprinkle the crumbled cotija cheese evenly over the sauced corn. The cheese will stick to the sauce, adding a salty, tangy kick.
4. For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle some chopped cilantro on top if you like.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve the elote with lime wedges on the side. Squeezing fresh lime juice over the top just before eating adds a zesty brightness that complements the smoky, creamy corn perfectly.
2. Enjoy your homemade elote while it’s still warm!

Tips and Variations

• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili powder to your taste. If you like it spicier, add more chili powder or even a dash of hot sauce.
• Cheese Substitute: If you can’t find cotija cheese, feta cheese is a good substitute. Both have a similar crumbly texture and tangy flavor.
• Extra Toppings: Feel free to get creative with additional toppings such as hot sauce, crushed tortilla chips, or even a sprinkle of Tajín seasoning.

Conclusion

Elote is a fantastic dish that brings the flavors of Mexican street food to your own kitchen. With its smoky, creamy, and tangy elements, it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering. Give this recipe a try and let your taste buds embark on a delicious journey south of the border!

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I hope you enjoyed this elote recipe! If you tried it out, let me know how it turned out in the comments below. Happy cooking!