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Esquites — Corn in a Cup

Esquites

Corn in a Cup

Fresh corn kernels toasted in butter before simmering with epazote, then spooned into a cup and finished at the table with crema, cotija, lime, and chile powder.

45 min
Serves 6
Street FoodCorn
Focus

✦ Antes de Empezar

Before you cook

Can I make esquites without chicken broth?

Yes — the simmering liquid can be plain water; chicken broth is just an option that adds extra flavor to the corn as it cooks.

Ingredientes· 10
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The Corn

  • 4 cupsFresh Sweet Corn Kernelssliced off cob (approx. 5 ears)
  • 2 tbspUnsalted Butter
  • 1/2 onion + 2 cloves garlicWhite Onion & Garlicchopped
  • 1/4 cupFresh Epazote Leavesgives the classic herbal street flavor
  • 1/2 cupChicken Broth
  • to tasteSalt

Serving Toppings

  • 1/2 cupMayonnaise
  • 1/2 cupCotija Cheesecrumbled
  • 2 tbspChili Powder or Tajín
  • 2Limeswedges

Instrucciones

5 pasos
  1. Sofríe la cebolla

    Sauté the onion

    Heat the butter in a pot. Sauté the onion and serrano until softened.

  2. Cocina el elote

    Cook the corn

    Add the corn and cook 5 minutes, stirring, until lightly toasted in spots.

  3. Cuece a fuego lento

    Simmer the broth

    Add the water, epazote, and salt. Simmer 15 to 20 minutes until the corn is tender and the broth is flavorful.

  4. Ajusta el sazón

    Adjust the seasoning

    Remove the epazote and adjust the salt.

  5. Sirve en vasos

    Serve in cups

    Spoon into cups with some broth. Let each person add mayonnaise, crema, cotija, lime, and chile powder.