Elote Loco

Salvadoran Elote Loco, also known as Crazy Corn, is a beloved street food from El Salvador, celebrated for its savory and tangy flavors. This dish features grilled corn on the cob generously coated with a creamy mixture of mayonnaise and sour cream, topped with crumbled cotija cheese (or feta), and seasoned with chili powder, smoked paprika, and fresh cilantro. The combination of smoky, spicy, and creamy elements makes Elote Loco a delicious and popular treat at festivals, fairs, and gatherings.

Elote Loco has deep roots in Salvadoran street food culture, reflecting the rich culinary traditions of El Salvador. Corn, or "elote" in Spanish, has been a staple in Mesoamerican diets for thousands of years, with historical ties to the Maya and Pipil civilizations. The modern version of Elote Loco emerged from street vendors in El Salvador, who began offering grilled corn with various toppings, eventually creating this iconic and flavorful dish. Its popularity has spread beyond El Salvador, finding its way into Mexican, American, and international cuisines due to its irresistible taste and texture.

Ingredients:

- 4 ears of corn, husks removed

- 1/2 cup mayonnaise

- 1/2 cup sour cream

- 1 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta cheese)

- 1 teaspoon chili powder

- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

- 2 limes, cut into wedges

Method:

1. Preheat Grill:

  - Heat your grill or stovetop grill pan to medium-high. Clean and lightly oil the grill grates.

2. Grill Corn:

  - Place the corn on the grill and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until tender and lightly charred. Remove and let cool slightly.

3. Prepare Creamy Mixture:

  - In a bowl, mix mayonnaise and sour cream until well combined.

4. Coat Corn:

  - Brush or spoon the mayonnaise-sour cream mixture over the grilled corn.

5. Add Cheese:

  - Sprinkle crumbled cotija cheese (or feta) generously over the corn.

6. Season:

  - Dust with chili powder and smoked paprika to taste.

7. Garnish:

  - Top with chopped cilantro.

8. Serve:

  - Enjoy immediately with lime wedges for added flavor.

Notes:

- Indoor grilling: Use a stovetop grill pan if you don't have an outdoor grill. Follow the same grilling instructions.

- Adjust seasonings: Modify chili powder and smoked paprika to suit your spice preference.

- Milder option: Substitute regular paprika for smoked paprika for a less smoky flavor.

Nutrition Value:

1. 4 ears of corn, husks removed

  - Calories: Approximately 400 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 100 g

  - Protein: 12 g

  - Fat: 4 g

  - Sodium: 10 mg

  - Cholesterol: 0 mg

  - Vitamins: Rich in Vitamin C and Vitamin B6

  - Minerals: Provides magnesium, potassium, and iron

  - Nutritional Benefit: Corn is a good source of dietary fiber, which aids digestion. It also provides essential vitamins and minerals that support overall health, including boosting the immune system and maintaining cardiovascular health.

2. 1/2 cup mayonnaise

  - Calories: Approximately 360 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 0 g

  - Protein: 0 g

  - Fat: 40 g

  - Sodium: 400 mg

  - Cholesterol: 40 mg

  - Vitamins: Contains small amounts of Vitamin A and Vitamin E

  - Minerals: Minor amounts of calcium and potassium

  - Nutritional Benefit: Mayonnaise adds richness and creaminess to dishes. While high in fat, it provides a source of energy and contains some fat-soluble vitamins.

3. 1/2 cup sour cream

  - Calories: Approximately 240 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 8 g

  - Protein: 4 g

  - Fat: 24 g

  - Sodium: 150 mg

  - Cholesterol: 80 mg

  - Vitamins: Contains Vitamin A and Vitamin B12

  - Minerals: Provides calcium and phosphorus

  - Nutritional Benefit: Sour cream offers a tangy flavor and a good source of calcium, which is important for bone health. It also provides protein and contributes to overall daily caloric intake.

4. 1 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta cheese)

  - Calories: Approximately 300 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 2 g

  - Protein: 16 g

  - Fat: 24 g

  - Sodium: 600 mg

  - Cholesterol: 80 mg

  - Vitamins: Contains Vitamin A and some Vitamin B12

  - Minerals: Good source of calcium, phosphorus, and zinc

  - Nutritional Benefit: Cotija or feta cheese adds protein and calcium to the dish. It also provides a rich, tangy flavor and contributes to bone and dental health.

5. 1 teaspoon chili powder

  - Calories: Approximately 6 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 1 g

  - Protein: 0 g

  - Fat: 0 g

  - Sodium: 1 mg

  - Cholesterol: 0 mg

  - Vitamins: Rich in Vitamin A and some Vitamin C

  - Minerals: Contains iron and potassium

  - Nutritional Benefit: Chili powder adds flavor and provides antioxidant properties. It helps in boosting metabolism and may aid in digestion.

6. 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

  - Calories: Approximately 3 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 0.7 g

  - Protein: 0 g

  - Fat: 0.1 g

  - Sodium: 1 mg

  - Cholesterol: 0 mg

  - Vitamins: Contains Vitamin A

  - Minerals: Provides iron and small amounts of potassium

  - Nutritional Benefit: Smoked paprika enhances flavor with minimal calories. It offers antioxidant benefits and may contribute to cardiovascular health.

7. 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

  - Calories: Approximately 1 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 0.1 g

  - Protein: 0.1 g

  - Fat: 0 g

  - Sodium: 0 mg

  - Cholesterol: 0 mg

  - Vitamins: Rich in Vitamin K and Vitamin C

  - Minerals: Provides calcium, potassium, and magnesium

  - Nutritional Benefit: Cilantro adds fresh flavor and is a good source of vitamins and minerals. It supports digestive health and may have detoxifying properties.

8. 2 limes, cut into wedges

  - Calories: Approximately 20 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 7 g

  - Protein: 0 g

  - Fat: 0 g

  - Sodium: 1 mg

  - Cholesterol: 0 mg

  - Vitamins: Very high in Vitamin C

  - Minerals: Contains potassium and magnesium

  - Nutritional Benefit: Limes provide a significant amount of Vitamin C, which supports the immune system and skin health. They also add a zesty flavor that complements the dish.