Learn to prepare Chile Lime Corn Cups also, known as Esquistes, an accessible Mexican treat bursting with flavors of lime and chili, perfect for gatherings or a family meal.
Chile Lime Corn Cups, known as esquites in Mexico, are a delightful treat that captures the essence of Mexican street food in an easy-to-make, accessible format. This dish features corn kernels mixed with zesty lime juice and spicy chili powder, served warm in small cups or bowls. It’s a recipe that my husband, Pablo, and I love to share at our gatherings, where it’s always a hit. Its simplicity and the joy it brings make it a favorite of ours, perfect for introducing friends to the flavors of Mexican cuisine.
Why Chile Lime Corn Cups Are a Delightful Treat
These corn cups are celebrated for their bold and refreshing flavors, combining the sweetness of corn with the tangy burst of lime and the subtle heat from the chili. The simplicity of the ingredients and the quick preparation time make this dish an ideal option for those new to Mexican cooking or for anyone looking for a quick and satisfying treat. The universal appeal of sweet corn, paired with widely available ingredients like lime and chili powder, ensures that anyone can recreate this traditional flavor experience no matter where they are.
Ingredients List
For this simple and vibrant dish, you will need:
- Sweet Corn Kernels: 4 cups, fresh, frozen (thawed), or canned (drained)
- Butter: 2 tablespoons, for richer flavor
- Lime: 2, juiced
- Chili Powder: 1 tablespoon, adjust to taste
- Cotija Cheese: 1/2 cup, crumbled (can substitute with feta if Cotija is unavailable)
- Cilantro: A handful, chopped, for garnish
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- Mayonnaise: 2 tablespoons, to bind and enrich flavors (optional)
Cooking Time and Serving Information
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Serves: 4
Cooking Tools Needed
- Large Skillet: For cooking the corn
- Mixing Spoon
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Juicer: For extracting lime juice
- Small Bowls or Cups: For serving
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Cook the Corn:
- Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the corn kernels and sauté them until they are heated through and slightly charred, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step enhances the natural sweetness of the corn.
2. Season the Corn:
- Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the lime juice, chili powder, and mayonnaise (if using) until the corn is evenly coated with all the seasonings. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Prepare the Garnishes:
- Crumble the Cotija cheese and chop the cilantro. These will be used to top the corn cups, adding a layer of flavor and a fresh herbal touch.
4. Serve:
- Spoon the warm seasoned corn into small cups or bowls. Sprinkle each serving with crumbled Cotija cheese and a generous amount of chopped cilantro. Serve immediately to enjoy the full flavor of the warm, buttery, and spicy corn.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of Chile Lime Corn Cups provides:
- Calories: Approximately 200-250
- Proteins: 5 grams
- Carbohydrates: 27 grams
- Fats: 10 grams, largely from the butter and optional mayonnaise
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this dish vegan?
- Absolutely! Substitute the butter with olive oil and skip the cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative. Omit the mayonnaise or use a vegan version.
What if I can’t find fresh corn?
- Frozen corn is a great alternative and widely available. Just make sure to thaw it properly before cooking. Canned corn can also be used; just drain it well.
How can I add more heat to this dish?
- For those who enjoy a spicier taste, add a finely chopped jalapeño to the corn while cooking or sprinkle some cayenne pepper along with the chili powder.
Tips for Perfect Chile Lime Corn Cups Every Time
- Adjust the Heat: The amount of chili powder can be adjusted depending on your spice preference. Start with less and add more as needed.
- Fresh Lime Juice: Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor. Bottled lime juice can be used in a pinch, but fresh juice
Esquiste: Chile Lime Corn Cups – A Vibrant Mexican Treat
Chile Lime Corn Cups, known as esquites in Mexico, are a delightful treat that captures the essence of Mexican street food in an easy-to-make, accessible format. This dish features corn kernels mixed with zesty lime juice and spicy chili powder, served warm in small cups or bowls.
Equipment
- Large Skillet: For cooking the corn
- Mixing Spoon
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Juicer: For extracting lime juice
- Small Bowls or Cups, for serving
Ingredients
- 4 cups of sweet corn kernels fresh, frozen, or canned (drained)
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 2 limes juiced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder adjust to taste
- 1/2 cup of Cotija cheese crumbled (can substitute with feta if Cotija is unavailable)
- Handful of chopped cilantro for garnish
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- 2 tablespoons of Mayonnaise optional
Instructions
- Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the corn kernels and sauté them until they are heated through and slightly charred, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the lime juice, chili powder, and mayonnaise (if using) until the corn is evenly coated with all the seasonings. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Crumble the Cotija (or feeta) cheese and chop the cilantro. These will be used to top the corn cups, adding a layer of flavor and a fresh herbal touch.
- Spoon the warm seasoned corn into small cups or bowls. Sprinkle each serving with crumbled Cotija cheese and a generous amount of chopped cilantro. Serve immediately to enjoy the full flavor of the warm, buttery, and spicy corn.
Notes
- Adjust the Heat: The amount of chili powder can be adjusted depending on your spice preference. Start with less and add more as needed.
- Fresh Lime Juice: Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor. Bottled lime juice can be used in a pinch, but fresh juice
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