Warm Mexican corn salad

Mexican corn on the cob, or Elote, is something I've never had, but have always wanted. I have seen a lot of recipes for it and they talk about how you can get it on the streets of Mexico from vendors.

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Since I've never been to Mexico, I have not yet had the opportunity to enjoy this delicious sounding treat. But, I did decide that it would make a great side dish to our steak tacos with pico de gallo. I read a lot of recipes for Elote and then I decided to change it up and use the same flavor profile to make a warm salad. I had bought some fresh corn recently and had just gotten a garden fresh jalapeno.  

While Elote is made with all mayo, I opted to cut the mayo and use mostly sour cream as well as add some scallions and jalapeno for more veggies and flavor.

One bite of this and my husband and I were both hooked! It was the perfect combination of sweet, salty, spicy, and sour. The two of us polished off the bowl quite easily, even opting for seconds of the corn instead of another steak taco, which says a lot! 

This recipe will make a side dish for about three people and is super easy to adjust for more. Definitely give this dish a try before sweet corn season is behind us.

Warm Mexican corn salad
1 tablespoon butter
kernels from three ears of sweet corn
1 jalapeno, seeded and minced
2 scallions, thinly sliced, whites and greens separated
1 clove garlic, minced
sea salt and fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
1/4-1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 cup roughly chopped cilantro
2 tablespoons sour cream
2 teaspoons mayonnaise
juice of 1 lime
about 1/4-1/3 cup crumbled Mexican cotija cheese, or feta cheese (I used feta)

Heat a cast iron or other heavy bottom skillet. Add the butter and melt it. Add the corn. Stir once and then let it char and caramelize on each side before stirring. This will only take a couple of minutes on each side. When the corn is almost finished, add in the jalapeno and scallion whites. Stir and cook for about 2 minutes. Add in the garlic and stir. Cook until fragrant. Season with salt, pepper, and chili powder (start with 1/4 teaspoon and taste to see if you want more). 

Transfer the corn to a medium bowl. Add the cilantro, scallion greens, sour cream, mayo, lime juice, and cheese. Stir until combined and serve immediately.