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Introduction
The origins of Mexican street corn, known as 'elotes,' date back to the ancient civilizations that revered maize as a sacred crop. Over time, this humble treat evolved into a beloved street food, with vendors roasting fresh corn over charcoal grills and slathering it in a tantalizing blend of mayonnaise, cheese, and spices. Today, this iconic dish has inspired countless variations, including this delectable dip that captures the vibrant flavors of Mexico in a creamy, shareable form. Whether you're hosting a festive gathering or craving a taste of authentic Mexican cuisine, this dip is sure to transport you to the bustling streets of Mexico City with every mouthwatering bite.
Ingredients
• 2 cups corn kernels (from about 4 ears of corn)
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (from about 2 limes)
• 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 chipotle chile in adobo sauce, finely chopped (plus 1 tablespoon adobo sauce)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Step 1:
Preheat a grill or grill pan over high heat.
Step 2:
Grill the corn kernels until charred and slightly blackened, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Transfer to a mixing bowl and let cool slightly.
Step 3:
Add the Greek yogurt, lime juice, crumbled cotija cheese, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped chipotle chile, adobo sauce, chopped cilantro, and ground cumin to the mixing bowl with the grilled corn. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4:
Gently stir the ingredients together until well combined.
Step 5:
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more lime juice for tanginess or chipotle for heat.
Q: Can I use frozen or canned corn instead of fresh corn?
A: While fresh grilled corn is ideal for this recipe, you can use thawed frozen corn kernels or drained canned corn in a pinch. Just skip the grilling step and mix them in at the end.
Q: Can I make this dip in advance?
A: Yes, you can prepare the dip a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve. However, for the best flavor and texture, it's recommended to grill the corn and mix everything together just before serving.
Q: What can I substitute for cotija cheese if I can't find it?
A: If cotija cheese is unavailable, you can substitute feta cheese or queso fresco, both of which have a similar crumbly texture and salty flavor.
• For a smoky flavor, grill or char the corn kernels before incorporating them into the dip.
• Cotija cheese is a crumbly, salty Mexican cheese often used in street corn preparations. If unavailable, you can substitute feta or queso fresco.
• Chipotle chiles in adobo sauce provide a smoky, spicy kick. Adjust the amount to suit your desired heat level.
• This dip is vegetarian and gluten-free, making it suitable for various dietary restrictions.
• For a creamier texture, you can use sour cream or mayonnaise in place of some or all of the Greek yogurt.
Serve the Mexican street corn dip chilled or at room temperature, with tortilla chips, sliced baguette, or fresh vegetable sticks for dipping.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Grill the corn kernels while prepping the other ingredients to streamline the cooking process.
- For a smoother texture, blend or mash a portion of the corn kernels before mixing with the other ingredients.
- If the dip seems too thick, thin it out with a splash of milk or water.
- Garnish with extra chopped cilantro, a drizzle of olive oil, or a sprinkle of paprika before serving.
For a creamier dip, substitute some or all of the Greek yogurt with sour cream or mayonnaise. For a vegan option, use non-dairy yogurt or cashew cream.
This dip pairs well with ice-cold Mexican beer, margaritas, or a crisp white wine like sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio. It also complements grilled meats, tacos, or quesadillas.
Best in late summer when corn is at its peak.
This recipe contains dairy (Greek yogurt and cotija cheese). It is vegetarian and gluten-free.
