A popular late-night snack for many Mexicans, and this dish has quickly become a favourite snack for Malaysians, too!
What is Elote?
Elote corn is a classis way to enjoy corn on a cob. It is a meal consisting of cooked sweet corn slathered in a spicy blend of mayonnaise, cream and chilli powder and then sprinkled with cheese. It is often called “Mexican road maize” because it is a typical snack marketed by street vendors and is commonly sold during any Mexican festivities.
Street vendors throughout Mexico and significant towns across the US sell elote due to its common ingredients and recipe. The use of Chihuahua cheese (Mexican semi-soft cheese), chilli powder, cilantro, lime and salt are essential and the combination of these ingredients create an unforgettable food experience.
History of Elote
Back in the day, corn was cultivate in Honduras. Corn rapidly became a staple food for indigenous peoples in Latin America from Peru to Mexico and caused their populations to rapidly grow. Due to it nutritional benefits and easy cultivation, corn was distributed across regions of North America as well.
When Columbus sailed the blue ocean, he first landed in the Caribbean. As Columbus encountered corn, he brought it back home and thus, its popularity soared among the locals. The European settlers named it maize, originating from the Spanish maiz via the Taino term mahiz.
Corn has become commonplace in the region, and it was a primary component for tortillas, bread, stews, tamales, puddings and even drinks. Corn on the cob, an American classic, is regarded as Elote in Mexico, where it is cooked or roasted and eaten on a stick or with a husk as a handle.
It’s an all-time street food favourite, and it’s simple to see why since this harvest product can be modified with many different add-ons and condiments.
Different versions of Elote
In Central America (excluding Panama) and Mexico, an ear of corn is called the “lote” (derived from nahuatl elotitutl which carries the meaning, tender cob). This word is also used in the Mexican and Central American communities in the United States.
In Southern parts of Southern America including countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay and Paraguay, and the Republic of Colombia, elote is known as choclo, which originated from the Quechua word chuqllu. Corn is called jojoto in the Republic of Venezuela.
Elote is widely consumed as a sweet or salty snack in El Salvador, Mexico and the border states of the United States. Then, in the case of Mexico, chilli powder, lemon juice and salt are added to corn. The condiments like butter, mayonnaise, and grated cheese are known as cotija are also added to corn.
“Eloteros” are individuals that walk around cities with carts, selling elotes in some areas of Mexico. They are capable of covering vast distances or only staying in one place, such as in parks or malls, outside stores, or wherever prospective customers are in significant quantities.
Where to find Elote in Malaysia
Not many restaurants in Malaysia sell elote on their menu. But not to worry as Brasaria (Petaling Jaya) serves this delicious meal! They have an amazing elote, grilled corn with aji mild sauce, topped with chilli powder and cheese.
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