Elote Appetizer from the Elote Cafe

Submitted by Chicagoland Chef du

"I had the pleasure of dining in The Elote Cafe in Sedona and met Chef Jeff Smedstad, formerly of Los Sombreros in Scottsdale. Reservations are not accepted and his foodie fans start lining up at 4:30, just to get a seat! I loved the food so much, I bought his cookbook and had it autographed. P.S. Jeff, you rocked my world too! ;^P ___ *Prep time is based on grilling, shucking, cooling."

 

• Ready In: 40mins
• Ingredients: 12
• Serves: 4-6

ingredients

• 6 ears corn, husks intact
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon cholula brand hot sauce
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1⁄4 cup chicken stock
• 1⁄4 cup Cotija cheese, crumbled for garnish
• 2 teaspoons cilantro, chopped, for garnish
• pure ground red chili pepper, for garnish
• crispy tortilla chips, for scooping

directions

1. Over a medium-high grill, roast the corn until the husks are well charred, about 5 minutes. Turn occasionally so as not to burn the side contacting the direct heat.
2. Set the roasted ears aside until cool enough to handle, then shuck them.
3. Cut the kernels off the cob.
4. When ready to eat, mix the mayo, hot sauce, lime juice, pepper, salt and chicken stock in a sauté pan over medium heat.
5. Add the corn kernels and warm through,.
6. Pour into a bowl and garnish with the cheese, cilantro and ground chili.
7. Serve immediately with crispy tortilla chips.

Reviews

[Meghann D.]

Yes yes yes! I was so excited I forgot to garnish with the cilantro and I didn't even realize til I was half through with the dip. AMAZING! Thank u for posting!!!! Love love love Elote Cafe!!!!

 

[Bromin77]

I've had this appetizer many times, and I can't even tell you how thrilled I was to actually find the recipe on line. Thanks, Chicago Chef du Jour! I owe you BIG TIME!!!<br/><br/>It's the perfect salty, sweet, and savory dip for any potluck or party. It always pleases.

 

[kkherman]

We have the good fortune to live within 40 minutes of Elote, and Jeff Smedstad has definitely created and maintained the most consistently delicious food in Northern Arizona! It's a real treat to make this yummy appetizer at home -- and you can tweak it to be spicier, more or less cilantro-accented, and even a bit lighter if you want to skimp on the mayo. I'm taking it to a party tomorrow and expect, as always, someone will ask to lick the bowl!

 

[Hissy Hussy]

Delicious! Everyone loved this and wanted to know the ingredients. Needless to say,there was not a kernel left in the dish.

 

[micshafe]

This recipe is super easy and equally delicious. It tastes just like the appetizer at the Elote Cafe. If you aren't fond of lime juice, you can cut back to half the suggested amount and still get some of the flavor.