Esquites (Mexican Corn Salad)

By Hester

A tasty Mexican street corn salad with an amazing blend of sweet corn, salty cheese, sour lime juice and a hint of spicy chili powder; pure summer in a bowl.

If you like Mexican corn on the cob, elote , then you are going to love esquites which is essentially elote but served in a bowl, only better! This year I have been enjoying using my cast iron skillet to 'roast' corn until the kernels char and caramelize which intensifies their sweetness making them even more irresistible! When I came across the idea of esquites where the corn is roasted in this way I immediately knew that it would be amazing! This salad has it all with the sweet caramelized corn, the salty cheese, the sour lime juice and the jalapeno heat and it is all held together with garlicky mayonnaise!

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cups corn (about 4 ears), cut from the cob
• 1/2 jalapeno, seeded and finely diced
• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 glove garlic, grated
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 handful cilantro, chopped
• 1 lime, juice
• 2 tablespoons cotija (or feta), crumbled
• chili powder to taste

Preparation

Step 1

1.Melt the butter in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat.
2.Add the corn, toss and let it sit cooking until charred, mix it up and let it char again, about 6-10 minutes.
3.Add the jalapeno, saute for a minute and remove from heat.
4.Mix everything and serve warm or at room temperature.


Option: Adding one diced avocado is so amazing!