Caesar Esquites Food

ESQUITES

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.

ESQUITES

Steps:

• Make the spice blend: Combine the salt, chili powder, ancho powder, paprika, garlic, guajillo powder and lime zest in a small bowl; set aside.
• Make the crema: Combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, cilantro and 1/2 teaspoon of the spice blend in a medium bowl; refrigerate until ready to use.
• Cook the corn: Heat a grill to high. Brush the corn with vegetable oil. Grill, turning occasionally, until tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Let cool.
• Cut the kernels off the cobs and transfer to a large bowl. Add 1/4 cup of the crema, 1/2 teaspoon of the spice blend and the cotija and cilantro; stir to combine. Top with more cotija and cilantro and sprinkle with more of the spice blend. Serve with lime wedges.

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.