Farmers Market Mexican: Esquites

As tasty as grilled corn on the cob can be—you know, that grilled Mexican street snack slathered in mayo and sharp cheese—I think it's eclipsed by another street corn dish, esquites.

It's a brothy cup of corn kernels simmered with big handfuls of herby epazote. There's often mayo, too, stirred into the broth, making it creamy, along with a squeeze of lime. The chile can be fresh and green and simmered with the corn or it can be dried and powdered and sprinkled on, along with a delicious hit of fresco cheese.

In this backyard iPhone video, Rick shows you how to make it at home.

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[carolyndeemer]

So bomb!!! Love esquites and this recipe is beautiful! I also like to add chipotle or ancho pepper powder to it (a dash on top is nice, or mixed all the way through!). For those with a lower spice tolerance, tajin is amazing, as well! I especially love the additional kick of lime! Yum!!!

[jonesisthekey]

Thanks so much for sharing. So glad you put the recipe in the description.

[jfvira]

So beautiful and tasty looking, thank you.

[pedrocamacho]

hello Rick, i have been following you for years and enjoyed your recipes. i learned from you how to make barbacoa. thank you. i live in San Diego, Ca. found you again, you disappeared ??

[valerierosel]

Excellent!! This reminds me of Elotes, except without the chili powder!

[ThatLadyBird]

Aw man...gotta have some Tajin mixed in too!

[michaelkelly]

I'm sure this is good, but I've seen some other versions on YouTube where esquites gets taken up 10 notches!!

[CorneliusSneedley]

This looks very good, and what is more it is something that is completely new to me. Thanks. :)

Looks like this video was made specifically for YouTube instead of being a clip from your show. This is good to see.

[cindyfielder]

Could you use hoja santa as a substitute for epizote? I have quite a bit in my garden.

[johnpetry]

Not bad but a bit bland compared to what I have eaten in Mexico. There is also a version I had in Ensenada where they added a little tomato I believe to the broth and then added shrimp and octopus to the mix before serving. It was delicious

[GaryRPerlich]

When you make the liquid to be added to the corn, it seems like the liquid would have more flavor if you used only the cobs, and didn't bother with the husks and tassels.

[Benvenutoxx]

Thank you for staying true to the traditional recipe and not Americanizing our amazing dish!!