Master the Art of Making Esquites- A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Perfect Street Corn Snacks
How to Make Esquites: A Flavorful and Versatile Street Food
Esquites, also known as street corn, is a popular Mexican street food that combines the deliciousness of corn with a variety of toppings and seasonings. Made with grilled or boiled corn, esquites can be a delightful snack or a side dish for any meal. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making esquites, so you can enjoy this flavorful and versatile dish at home.
Ingredients
To make esquites, you will need the following ingredients:
– 4 ears of corn, husked and cleaned
– 1/4 cup of mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup of sour cream
– 1/4 cup of crumbled cotija cheese (or queso fresco)
– 1/4 cup of pico de gallo (recipe follows)
– 1/4 cup of chopped green onions
– 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro
– 2 tablespoons of lime juice
– 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional toppings: jalapeño slices, sliced black olives, or a dollop of guacamole
Instructions
1. Prepare the Corn: Start by boiling the corn ears in a large pot of salted water for about 5-7 minutes, or until the corn is tender. Alternatively, you can grill the corn on a preheated grill for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the corn is charred and tender.
2. Make the Pico de Gallo: While the corn is cooking, prepare the pico de gallo. In a bowl, combine diced tomatoes, diced onions, minced cilantro, salt, and lime juice. Stir well and set aside.
3. Shuck the Corn: Once the corn is cooked, let it cool slightly. Then, carefully shuck the corn kernels off the cob. Place the kernels in a large bowl.
4. Mix the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
5. Combine the Ingredients: Add the dressing to the corn kernels, and toss to coat evenly. Then, fold in the pico de gallo, cotija cheese, green onions, and cilantro.
6. Season and Serve: Taste the esquites and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lime juice if needed. Serve immediately, or let them sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Top with optional toppings like jalapeño slices, black olives, or guacamole, if desired.
Enjoy Your Esquites
Now that you know how to make esquites, you can enjoy this tasty treat any time you want. Whether you’re hosting a party, having a picnic, or simply craving a delicious snack, esquites are sure to satisfy your taste buds. Feel free to experiment with different toppings and seasonings to create your own unique version of this Mexican classic. ¡Buen provecho!
