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Mexico City (Mexico)
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Snack
Vegetarian
Food Flavour DNA
Nutritional Values
300kcal
8gProtein
38gCarbs
15gFat
6gFibre
250 gServing
* Per serving · 250 g. May vary.
Allergens
🥛 Dairy
Also served in
Esquites
How to order / say it
Say it
Esquites — [ehs-KEE-tehs]
Order
I'd like an order of esquites, please.
Locally
Quisiera unos esquites, por favor.
Say locally
A street food snack of corn cooked with lime, chili, and cheese.
Why try it?
Esquites are deeply embedded in Mexican street food culture, offering a taste of communal eating traditions. The dish emphasizes the use of fresh, local ingredients and the love for vibrant flavors.
How it tastes
Esquites have a delightful combination of sweetness from the corn, acidity from lime, spiciness from chili, and creaminess from cotija cheese. It's served warm, creating a comforting, flavorful bite.
Origin & History — first documented: 1500
Derived from the Nahuatl word 'izquitl,' esquites have pre-Columbian roots, traditionally prepared as a nutritious snack. Over time, it's evolved into a staple at fairs and street corners, capturing the heart of Mexican street food.
Recipe
Ingredients
- 🥕 400 g corn kernels
- 🥛 50 g butter
- 🍋 30 ml lime juice
- 🧂 1 tsp chili powder
- 🥛 50 g cotija cheese
- 🌿 10 g epazote
- 🥣 50 g mayonnaise
- 🧂 1 tsp salt
Method
- 1 Melt butter in a pot, add corn and epazote, then simmer until tender.
- 2 Add lime juice and season with chili powder and salt.
- 3 Serve warm in cups, topped with mayonnaise and cotija cheese.
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