Esquites

Esquites are similar to Mexican elote, but the kernels are removed from the cob. Combined with cotija, crema, lime juice, and cilantro, it tastes sweet, smokey, salty, and spicy.

• Preparation Time: 5 mins
• Cooking Time: 55 mins
• Total Time: 60 mins
• Calories: 265 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• cooking spray
• mesquite wood chips
• 2 gallons water
• 5 tablespoons crumbled cotija cheese
• 3 tablespoons Mexican crema
• 4 ears yellow corn
• 0.33333334326744 bunch chopped fresh cilantro

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat an outdoor grill for low heat with mesquite chips in the wood box. Lightly oil the grate.

Step 2

Combine water and sugar in a large bowl and stir well. Add corn ears in husks and soak for at least 1 hour.

Step 3

Remove corn from sugar-water mixture and cook, in husks, on the preheated grill for 45 minutes. Remove corn from the grill and let cool before shucking. Cut corn kernels from cobs.

Step 4

Sauté corn kernels and chili powder in a large skillet over medium heat, tossing frequently, until lightly charred, about 5 minutes. Add cotija cheese, crema, cilantro, and salt; cook until warmed through, about 4 minutes. Spritz with lime juice and serve hot.