Smoky Chipotle Street Corn Cups

Street corn, known as elote in Mexico, has become a beloved dish far beyond its cultural origins, gaining popularity at food festivals, street fairs, and backyard barbecues across the globe. This vibrant and flavorful dish celebrates the humble corn cob by elevating it with a tantalizing mix of spices, creamy sauces, and zesty toppings. Traditionally enjoyed as a street food delicacy in Mexico, elote has deep roots in Mexican culture, often representing community, tradition, and the simple joys of life.

Discover the delectable world of Smoky Chipotle Street Corn Cups, a modern twist on the traditional Mexican street corn, elote. These flavorful cups combine grilled corn with a blend of smoky spices, creamy sauces, and zesty toppings for a shareable treat perfect for gatherings or casual dining. With each bite, experience the symphony of flavors and textures that celebrate community and culinary creativity. Ideal for summer barbecues or taco nights, these cups are a crowd-pleaser that will elevate any meal. Embrace the joy of cooking and enjoy sharing this vibrant dish with family and friends!

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Ingredients

4 cups fresh corn kernels (about 6 ears of corn) or 2 cans of corn, drained

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon chipotle powder (adjust for spice preference)

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and black pepper to taste

Juice of 1 lime

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (or cotija cheese)

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1/4 cup green onions, chopped

Lime wedges, for serving

Extra cilantro, for garnish

Instructions

Roasting the Corn: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the corn kernels and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are slightly charred and tender (about 8-10 minutes). If using fresh corn, you can also roast the ears on a grill until charred, then cut off the kernels.

Seasoning the Corn: As the corn cooks, sprinkle in smoked paprika, chipotle powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir to coat the corn, allowing the spices to combine with the kernels for about 2-3 more minutes. Remove from heat and squeeze half of the lime juice over the corn.

Preparing the Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix the mayonnaise with the remaining lime juice until smooth. Add half of the crumbled feta cheese and half of the chopped cilantro to the mixture, stirring until well combined.

Assembly: In serving cups or small bowls, layer the charred corn mixture and drizzle the mayonnaise sauce over the top. Sprinkle with the remaining feta cheese, cilantro, and chopped green onions.

Garnishing: Top each corn cup with a wedge of lime and a sprinkle of extra cilantro for an added burst of freshness.

Serving: Serve immediately while warm, allowing guests to mix the components as they like!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 25 minutes | 4 servings