Cool Ranch Elote Recipes

RANCH-STYLE ELOTE / ESQUITES (MEXICAN CORN) 3 WAYS #RSC

Steps:

• Start by making the dressing. In a small glass bowl, mix the Greek yogurt with milk and the "Hidden Valley Ranch" seasoning mix, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (up to 24 hours) -- and away we go! --.
• "Stove-top / Broiling method for Elote": On the stove-top, boil frozen corn on the cob according to package instructions, (or micro-wave, per instructions). If using fresh, remove husks and boil corn in large sauce pan until tender. IMPORTANT: Save about 1/2 c of the water from the boiling process (it contains the starch) for the "Esquites" preparation method.
• While corn is boiling, preheat oven to 500* F with a rack set in middle of oven.
• When the corn is cooked thru, remove the ears of corn to a platter.
• Okay, here is where we can 'part ways' on cooking methods -- but for now, I'm sticking with the stove-top / broiler method for "Elote".
• Now that the corn is cooked, line a baking tray with aluminum foil. Brush each ear of corn with the melted butter, salt and pepper lightly and place on tray (NO chili powder yet).
• Place tray in oven and bake for approx 15 minutes +/-, rotating (rolling) corn often, until all sides are lightly browned. Once you've reached your desired browning, remove the corn to that same platter that we dirtied earlier.
• "Grilled Elote" (the true way): The other alternative is using your grill to brown. If you are starting your corn on the grill, (while skipping the boiling method), be sure to remove silk only, and soak corn in water before grilling. Leave husks on while grilling, until your ready to brown them. when cooked thru, remove husks, brush with melted butter and grill ears, while turning, to desired browning has been achieved.
• (There you have the basics done. Now, were 'parting ways' again -- You can have one cob each that serves 4, or you can cut each cob in half to make 8 small servings. Now, at this point, you can shave the kernels off of the cob using a serrated knife, into a bowl, and "voila", we are now morphing into "Esquites" -- but please wait patiently for that).
• If you want "Elote", leave the cob in tact, slather it with the dressing we made earlier, heavily sprinkle on the grated Parm and add a little minced chives. (Heck, roll it thru them)! Squeeze a wedge of lemon over the whole thing, and add the touch of chili powder (if you so desire). Now your Americanized Ranch version of "Elote" is done.
• "Esquites": You've shaved the kernels off the cob after boiling and browning. Now put the kernels in a bowl, add the desired amount of water that the corn was boiled in (1/4-1/2 c), then throw in a heap of the dressing, cheese and chives and mix well. Squeeze a couple of lemon wedges 'over the top' (only after mixing). Enjoy!
• *** I used the following substitutions to make my "Ranched-up" version vs the traditional:.
• Greek Yogurt, milk & Ranch seasoning = mayo.
• Parmesan cheese = Cotija cheese.
• lemon = lime.

FLAMING HOT CHEESY ELOTE

Steps:

• Equipment: Stove top grill.
• Preheat stove top or outdoor grill to medium high heat. Place cheetos in a food processor and grind into small crumbs then transfer to a shallow plate or pie dish. In a medium bowl, whisk to combine mayonnaise, sour cream, granulated garlic and salt.
• Place corn on hot grill and cook until kernels are tender and lightly charred, about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer corn to the bowl with mayonnaise and sour cream mixture and spoon to coat completely. Place corn over plate with cheeto crumbs and spoon over to coat on all sides.
• Transfer corn to a serving plate, drizzle with mayonnaise and sour cream mixture and sprinkle over remaining cheeto crumbs.

MEXICAN ELOTE

Steps:

• Preheat a stove top or outdoor grill to medium high heat. Place corn on hot grill and cook until kernels are tender and lightly charred, about 2-3 minutes per side.
• In a medium bowl, whisk to combine mayonnaise, crema, chili powder, sriracha, granulated garlic, salt and 2 tablespoons crumbled cotija cheese.
• Transfer corn to the bowl with mayonnaise and crema mixture and spoon to coat completely. Transfer to a serving plate and garnish with remaining cheese, chopped cilantro, a sprinkle of chili powder and lime wedges.

COOL RANCH ELOTE

Steps:

• Preheat stovetop or outdoor grill to medium high heat. In a medium bowl, whisk to combine yogurt, milk and ranch seasoning mix; set aside. In a medium bowl, stir to combine parmesan cheese, crushed doritos and chili powder; set aside.
• Brush corn with melted butter, then grill until lightly charred, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove corn from grill and brush kernels on all sides with the yogurt. Sprinkle over cheese and dorito mixture to coat and then drizzle over more yogurt sauce. Top corn with chives, a pinch of cayenne pepper and squeeze over lime.