One of the best street food dishes you'll find south of the border.
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"Food is a central activity of mankind and one of the single most significant trademarks of a culture." - Enrique Olvera
Elotes are a popular Mexican street food known for their delicious combination of flavors and textures. They are essentially grilled or boiled corn on the cob that is typically coated with a layer of mayonnaise, cotija cheese (a crumbly Mexican cheese), chili powder, lime juice, and sometimes cilantro. Elotes can be found in various regions of Mexico, often sold by street vendors or at food stalls.
The history of elotes can be traced back to pre-Columbian Mesoamerican cultures, where corn (or maize) held significant cultural and culinary importance. The consumption of corn was central to the diet of many indigenous Mexican communities, and it remains a staple ingredient in Mexican cuisine to this day.
Over time, elotes have evolved as a popular and beloved street food, reflecting the fusion of indigenous and Spanish culinary influences.
The combination of flavors in elotes, including the rich and creamy mayonnaise, the tangy and salty cotija cheese, and the spicy chili powder, represents the diverse and vibrant palette of Mexican cuisine.
Elotes are not only cherished in Mexico but have also gained popularity worldwide, showcasing the unique and irresistible flavors of Mexican street food. They are often enjoyed as a savory and satisfying snack, perfect for savoring the rich culinary heritage of Mexico.
Mexican Elotes Recipe
Prep time 5 minutes | Cook time 45 minutes | Serves 4
Ingredients:
4 ears of corn, husk off
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta cheese as a substitute)
1 teaspoon chili powder or Tajin chile lime seasoning (adjust to taste)
Fresh lime wedges
Chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Salt to taste
Instructions:
Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium heat.
Grill the corn, turning occasionally, until it is cooked and slightly charred, about 10-12 minutes.
Using a pastry brush or a spoon, spread a layer of mayonnaise over each ear of corn.
crumble the cotija cheese in a pan and roll the mayonnaise-coated corn in the cheese. Don't skimp on the mayo, or the cheese.
Sprinkle the chili powder and tajin over the cheese, adjusting the amount based on your desired level of spiciness.
Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, fresh squeezed lime and a sprinkle of salt.
Serve the elotes hot with extra lime wedges on the side.
Enjoy these delectable elotes, packed with the rich and vibrant flavors of Mexican street food!
If you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram or Pinterest – seeing your creations always makes my day. Let's explore international cuisine together!
Are you interested in more flavors from Latin America? Check out the recipes below
North America & The Caribbean
Canadian Poutine - Fries, gravy and cheese, need I say more.
Cuban Ropa Vieja - Tough beef turned into a beautiful tomato based stew.
Mexican Elotes - Delicious cheesy street corn.
Navajo Tacos - Crispy fry bread with ample toppings.
Trini Doubles - A spicy chickpea curry with crispy flatbread.
South & Central America
Bolivian Pique Macho - A meat and potatoes stir-fry of epic proportions.
Chilean Tomatican - A warm summer corn stew featuring beef, tomatoes and onions.
Costa Rican Chifrijo - A perfect bowl of Central American rice, beans and meat.
Ecuadorian Encebollado - A yuca based fish stew.
El Salvadoran Pupusas - Stuffed corn flour cakes grilled on a plancha.
Guatemalan Pepian - A rich chile based chicken stew.
Nicaraguan Nacatamales - Hearty tamales with a tropical twist.
Paraguayan Chipa Guasu - A humble cheesy corn bread.
Peruvian Aji De Gallina - A creamy, yellow pepper chicken dish.
Uruguayan Chivito - A massive meat sandwich which proves Uruguay is all about the meats.