Best Easy Chileatole de Elote Recipe

A thick corn and chile beverage-soup hybrid made with fresh corn, masa, and epazote. This vegetarian traditional dish straddles the line between drink and soup for a unique family experience.

Cook 50 min Difficulty NORMAL 260 kcal
#vegetarian #mediterranean
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • fresh corn kernels 3 cups
  • water 5 cups
  • whole milk 1 cup
  • masa harina 1 cup
  • epazote leaves 6 pieces
Seasonings/Sauce
  • poblano pepper 1 piece
  • serrano chile 1 piece
  • onion 0.5 cup
  • garlic 2 cloves
  • salt 2 tsp
  • vegetable oil 2 tbsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 46 g 71%
Protein 6 g 9%
Fat 5 g 20%
Serving size 320g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Heat 2 tbsp of vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until softened but not browned, about 3–4 minutes.

  2. 2

    Roast the poblano pepper directly over a flame or under a broiler until the skin is blistered all over, then peel, seed, chop, and add it to the pot along with the sliced serrano chile.

  3. 3

    Add the fresh corn kernels and cook everything together for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to highlight the corn's natural sweetness and prevent sticking.

  4. 4

    In a separate bowl, whisk the masa harina into 1 cup of milk until smooth. Pour this masa mixture into the pot, stir well, and then add the remaining 5 cups of water.

  5. 5

    Increase heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly for 10–12 minutes until it thickens to a creamy soup. Add the epazote leaves and salt. Lower the heat and simmer for an additional 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid scorching.

  6. 6

    Taste and adjust salt if needed. Remove the epazote leaves before serving. Serve the chileatole hot, garnished with extra epazote or a few corn kernels, if desired.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What’s the key ingredient in this Chileatole de Elote recipe?
The core ingredient is fresh corn kernels, which provide Chileatole de Elote with its natural sweetness, thick body, and signature texture. Masa harina also plays an essential role, giving the beverage-soup its creamy consistency, while epazote imparts a distinctive herbal note.
Q. How should I control the heat for the best texture?
Begin with medium heat when sautéing onions and garlic to prevent burning. When adding the masa and liquid, raise the heat to medium-high only until the mixture gently simmers—stirring constantly prevents lumps or scorching. Once thickened, reduce to low for the final simmer, ensuring a perfectly smooth and creamy result.
Q. What common mistakes can affect the texture of Chileatole de Elote?
Overheating or not stirring the masa mixture can cause it to form lumps or even burn at the bottom of the pot. Stir regularly and maintain gentle heat after thickening to preserve a velvety, drinkable texture. Roasted poblano and fresh corn offer maximum flavor balance without overpowering the creamy base.
Q. How many calories or carbs are there per serving?
Each serving contains about 260 kcal, with approximately 46g of carbohydrates, 6g of protein, and 5g of fat. Carbohydrates provide around 71% of the calories, making this a hearty and naturally energizing vegetarian option.
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