Best Easy Esquites con Epazote Recipe

Corn kernels cooked with epazote, mayo, chile, and lime in a cup are a fragrant street snack. This vegetarian, fresh dish is a healthy, family-friendly option with aromatic herbal notes.

Cook 30 min Difficulty EASY 210 kcal
#vegetarian #mediterranean #diabetic friendly #family friendly
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • fresh corn kernels 3 cups
  • epazote leaves 3 tbsp
  • water 2 cups
  • mayonnaise 4 tbsp
  • cotija cheese 4 tbsp
Seasonings/Sauce
  • lime juice 2 tbsp
  • chili powder 2 tsp
  • salt 1 tsp
  • black pepper 0.5 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 32 g 61%
Protein 5 g 10%
Fat 8 g 29%
Serving size 180g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Add the fresh corn kernels, epazote leaves, and water to a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to medium-low and simmer for 15 minutes until corn is tender.

  2. 2

    Season the simmering corn with salt and black pepper, stirring occasionally and skimming off any foam for a clear broth.

  3. 3

    Drain the cooked corn, reserving a little cooking liquid to keep the kernels moist, and transfer to serving cups while hot.

  4. 4

    Spoon mayonnaise and cotija cheese over the hot corn, gently stirring so that the mayo melts slightly and coats the kernels evenly.

  5. 5

    Sprinkle each cup with chili powder, drizzle lime juice, and toss once to combine. Serve immediately for maximum flavor and freshness.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
The essential ingredients that define Esquites con Epazote are the fresh corn kernels, which provide the sweet base and signature street snack texture, along with aromatic epazote leaves that add unique herbal fragrance. Mayonnaise and cotija cheese enrich the flavor profile, making these ingredients central to the dish’s distinct identity.
Q. How should I control heat and timing when cooking the corn?
Start by boiling the corn on medium-high to quickly bring up the temperature, then reduce to medium-low for a gentle simmer. This preserves the sweetness and prevents the kernels from bursting or becoming mushy. Simmering for about 15 minutes gets the corn tender but keeps it plump.
Q. How can I keep the esquites from becoming dry or mushy?
After draining the cooked corn, reserve a little cooking liquid before transferring it to serving cups. This keeps the kernels moist. Toss gently with the mayo and cheese so the corn maintains its texture; avoid overmixing or letting it sit too long, which can soften the kernels excessively.
Q. How many calories and what is the carb-to-protein ratio per serving?
Each serving of Esquites con Epazote contains about 210 kcal, with 32g carbohydrates (61% of calories), 5g protein (10%), and 8g fat (29%). This makes it a moderate-carb, low-fat street snack that’s vegetarian and suitable for a variety of dietary preferences.
Q. Which tags best fit this recipe for dietary searches?
Based on its ingredients and nutrition information, Esquites con Epazote qualifies as vegetarian, mediterranean, diabetic friendly, and family friendly. Its balanced profile and use of whole, plant-based ingredients align with these dietary tags.
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