Description
Esquites is a traditional Mexican street food featuring tender corn kernels cooked in a flavorful broth with epazote, onion, and garlic. It is served warm in cups, mixed with Mexican crema, butter, chili powder, fresh lemon juice, and sprinkled with crumbly queso fresco, creating a creamy, tangy, and spicy snack perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups Corn Kernels
- 5 cups Water
- 1/4 Onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon Epazote
- 1 teaspoon Garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Ground Black Pepper, to taste
Toppings and Garnishes
- 1 cup Mexican Crema
- 1 teaspoon Unsalted Butter
- Ground Chili Pepper (such as chile piquín), to taste
- 5 Lemons, juiced
- Queso Fresco, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Corn: In a large pot, combine the corn kernels, water, chopped onion, epazote, minced garlic, salt, and ground black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer gently for 40 minutes until the corn is soft and tender.
- Simmer Further: Strain the corn and broth mixture, then return the corn to the pot and simmer for an additional 20 minutes to concentrate flavors.
- Assemble the Esquites: Ladle the cooked corn halfway into serving glasses or cups. Spoon in Mexican crema and add unsalted butter. Season generously with ground chili pepper and fresh lemon juice to taste.
- Garnish and Serve: Top each cup with a sprinkle of queso fresco and an extra drizzle of crema and melted butter if desired. Serve warm and enjoy the creamy, spicy, and tangy flavors.
Notes
- Epazote adds a distinctive flavor and helps reduce the gas-causing effects of corn.
- Adjust chili pepper and lemon quantities based on preferred spice and acidity levels.
- Mexican crema is a creamy, tangy dairy topping similar to sour cream; you can substitute with sour cream or crème fraîche if unavailable.
- Queso fresco should be crumbled finely to evenly top the esquites.
- This dish is best served warm for authentic flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Keywords: Esquites, Mexican corn snack, Mexican street food, Mexican crema, epazote, queso fresco, corn kernels, spicy corn, traditional Mexican recipe
