Elote Dip
TYPES OF CORN
According to the American Farm Bureau Foundation, there are four basic types of corn that can be seen in the U.S.
1.) Dent Corn: The majority of corn grown in the U.S. is dent corn, also called field corn. It is mainly used for livestock feed. It is called dent corn because it has a dent in the kernel. This type of corn is not eaten fresh and is harvested when the kernels are dry.
2.) Sweet Corn: Have you ever eaten corn on the cob? If you have, you were eating sweet corn! It is picked while it’s not fully grown so that this way it’s higher in sugar, making it taste sweet! This is the kind of corn we find at the grocery store or farmer’s markets.
3.) Flint Corn: Have you ever seen colorful corn during Halloween or Thanksgiving? This is flint corn. Sometimes it is used for foods, but it is usually dried and used for decoration. Flint Corn is grown primarily in South and Central America.
4.) Popcorn: Popcorn is a type of flint corn. It has a hard shell and a soft, moist center. When it is heated the moisture causes pressure which eventually explodes. That is the pop part of the corn!
DID YOU KNOW: Americans consume more popcorn than any other country!
Serve with crackers, corn chips or tortilla chips
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 – 15 ounce cans whole kernel corn, drained
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
3/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese or queso fresco
3 tablespoons fresh cilantro, finely chopped
1 cup plain yogurt
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
juice of 1 lime
Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
In a large saucepan, add oil and sauté red onion, jalapeno and garlic for 2 minutes. Add chili, onion and garlic powders. Add corn until warm. Remove from heat. Add cilantro, yogurt, lime, cheese, salt and pepper and mix until well blended. Can be served warm or cold.
Uses and Variations:
Use fresh corn cut off the cob, could grill it first
Substitute mayonnaise for yogurt
Adjust cheese to taste
Add to scrambled eggs
Use with tacos or nachos
Add to enchiladas