Country of origin: Mexico

Known as Elote in Mexico, Mexican Street Corn is a common staple for families south of the border. Corn is ubiquitous with the Americas and this recipe is an easy and affordable option to spice up a basic cob of corn. 

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• Four cobs of corn
• One whole lime, zested then cut into 4 wedges
• 1/4 Cup grated cotija cheese
• 1/2 Cup Mexican crema (alt., sour cream)
• 1/2 Cup mayonnaise
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon ground chili or chipotle chili powder
• 1/2 Cup cilantro, minced

Directions:

1. Shuck the ears of corn, but leave enough husk to use as a handle 
2. Soak the corn in a pot of warm water (3-5 minutes)
3. Zest the outside of the lime and then cut the into wedges
4. Remove the corn from the water, pat semi-dry and wrap the corn in foil
5. When living in an apartment in Brooklyn, grilling isn't exactly the easiest option. Luckily, there are some simple workarounds using the gas stove top. If you have a cast iron grill griddle, pull it out and place it over two of your burners. If you don't have a griddle, no worries (I don't either)—you can still "grill" your corn. Turn the gas burner on—two burners if you're using the griddle, one if you have no griddle. If using a griddle, turn the heat up to medium-high. If you're using a single burner keep the flame at medium-low to low. 
6. Place the four foil wrapped corn cobs on the griddle or, two at a time on the metal grate over the burner
7. Keeping an eye on the cobs, and rotating every two or so minutes, mix the following ingredients in a small bowl:
   • 1/4 Cup grated cotija cheese
   • 1/2 Cup Mexican crema (alt., sour cream)
   • 1/2 Cup mayonnaise
   • 1 clove garlic, minced
   • 1 Tbsp. lime juice from wedges 
8. Continue rotating the cobs of corn until they are your desired level of grilled, then remove from the griddle or flame (about 7-10 minutes)
9. Use a spoon to evenly coat grilled corn on all sides with cheese and crema mixture. Sprinkle with extra cheese, if desired. Top with a sprinkle of chili powder, lime zest, and minced cilantro
10. Serve immediately and enjoy!