Authentic Mexican Esquite Elotes In A Cup Food

ELOTES (MEXICAN CORN IN A CUP)

Steps:

• Heat corn in a skillet over medium heat until steaming, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and drain water.
• Fill several cups or mugs halfway with the corn. Add 1 tablespoon mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese, and 1 to 2 teaspoons chile-lime seasoning to each cup. Squeeze lime juice on top.

AUTHENTIC MEXICAN ESQUITE - ELOTES IN A CUP -

Steps:

• Heat your barbecue grill. Brush the corn with some margarine and then grill until cooked through.
• With a sharp knife, slice the kernels from the cobs into a bowl. Toss the corn with salt and ground cayenne pepper and then place in individual bowls.
• Serve the top of the corn with lemon juice, mayo and grated cheese, for own individual taste.

CREAMY CORN CUPS ("ESQUITES")

Steps:

• Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the corn and cook until tender, about 5 to 7 minutes. Using tongs, transfer the corn to a platter and allow them to cool slightly. Using a serrated knife, remove the kernels from the corn. Divide the corn between 4 individual cups or small glasses. Put 1 tablespoon mayonnaise and 1 tablespoon butter in each glass. Sprinkle with cheese, chili powder, and salt. Serve with the lime wedges, if desired.

ESQUITES

Steps:

• In a large cast iron or heavy skillet, heat oil over medium-high. Add corn, season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until corn is nicely charred and softened, 8 to 10 minutes. Turn off the heat and let stand for 2 minutes. (This helps the corn pick up more char and smoky flavor.)
• Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, crema, cilantro and lime juice; season with salt and pepper. Reserve 1/4 cup sauce in a small bowl for drizzling.
• Add seared corn to the large bowl, season with salt and pepper and toss to coat. Transfer to a large serving platter, spreading corn mixture in an even layer. Drizzle with the reserved sauce, and sprinkle with Cotija and chile powder. Garnish with more cilantro and serve with lime wedges.

RANCH-STYLE ELOTE / ESQUITES (MEXICAN CORN) 3 WAYS #RSC

Steps:

• Start by making the dressing. In a small glass bowl, mix the Greek yogurt with milk and the "Hidden Valley Ranch" seasoning mix, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (up to 24 hours) -- and away we go! --.
• "Stove-top / Broiling method for Elote": On the stove-top, boil frozen corn on the cob according to package instructions, (or micro-wave, per instructions). If using fresh, remove husks and boil corn in large sauce pan until tender. IMPORTANT: Save about 1/2 c of the water from the boiling process (it contains the starch) for the "Esquites" preparation method.
• While corn is boiling, preheat oven to 500* F with a rack set in middle of oven.
• When the corn is cooked thru, remove the ears of corn to a platter.
• Okay, here is where we can 'part ways' on cooking methods -- but for now, I'm sticking with the stove-top / broiler method for "Elote".
• Now that the corn is cooked, line a baking tray with aluminum foil. Brush each ear of corn with the melted butter, salt and pepper lightly and place on tray (NO chili powder yet).
• Place tray in oven and bake for approx 15 minutes +/-, rotating (rolling) corn often, until all sides are lightly browned. Once you've reached your desired browning, remove the corn to that same platter that we dirtied earlier.
• "Grilled Elote" (the true way): The other alternative is using your grill to brown. If you are starting your corn on the grill, (while skipping the boiling method), be sure to remove silk only, and soak corn in water before grilling. Leave husks on while grilling, until your ready to brown them. when cooked thru, remove husks, brush with melted butter and grill ears, while turning, to desired browning has been achieved.
• (There you have the basics done. Now, were 'parting ways' again -- You can have one cob each that serves 4, or you can cut each cob in half to make 8 small servings. Now, at this point, you can shave the kernels off of the cob using a serrated knife, into a bowl, and "voila", we are now morphing into "Esquites" -- but please wait patiently for that).
• If you want "Elote", leave the cob in tact, slather it with the dressing we made earlier, heavily sprinkle on the grated Parm and add a little minced chives. (Heck, roll it thru them)! Squeeze a wedge of lemon over the whole thing, and add the touch of chili powder (if you so desire). Now your Americanized Ranch version of "Elote" is done.
• "Esquites": You've shaved the kernels off the cob after boiling and browning. Now put the kernels in a bowl, add the desired amount of water that the corn was boiled in (1/4-1/2 c), then throw in a heap of the dressing, cheese and chives and mix well. Squeeze a couple of lemon wedges 'over the top' (only after mixing). Enjoy!
• *** I used the following substitutions to make my "Ranched-up" version vs the traditional:.
• Greek Yogurt, milk & Ranch seasoning = mayo.
• Parmesan cheese = Cotija cheese.
• lemon = lime.