Esquites en Vaso

Questions

What is Esquites en Vaso?

Mexico's beloved street corn in a cup: charred corn kernels tossed with mayonnaise, cotija cheese, lime juice, chili powder, and epazote - rich, tangy, and addictive. This reference files it under Mexican appetizer: made on the stovetop, rated easy and about 22 minutes start to finish.

How do I know when Esquites en Vaso is done?

Go by the cues in the method rather than the clock. Step 2: cook until the corn begins to char on one side. Step 2: cook until most kernels have some golden-brown color.

Is there a substitute for feta in Esquites en Vaso?

The entry for Esquites en Vaso calls for 1/4 cup cotija cheese (or feta cheese), crumbled. In its place: Crumbled queso fresco or ricotta salata is milder but behaves the same. For dairy-free, crumble firm tofu and marinate it in lemon juice and salt.

Is Esquites en Vaso spicy?

Only mildly. The heat in Esquites en Vaso comes from 1/2 tsp chili powder (or Tajin). For a milder plate, halve the chili powder; nothing else in the method changes. For more, add it at the table rather than in the pot, so everyone sets their own level.

Can I make Esquites en Vaso dairy-free?

Yes. The dairy in Esquites en Vaso is 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 1/4 cup cotija cheese (or feta cheese), crumbled. Swap the butter for olive oil where it melts, or a plant-based block butter where it is creamed; the cheese for a plant-based melting cheese (expect a milder flavor). The richness shifts slightly, but the method does not change.

How many calories are in Esquites en Vaso?

One serving (the recipe makes 4) is about 350 calories, with 8 g protein, 42 g carbohydrate and 16 g fat, plus 3 g fiber and 280 mg sodium. The figures are estimates computed from the ingredient list.