Esquites (or ezquites) (troles and trolelotes in Northeast Mexico, chasca in Aguascalientes, vasolote in Michoacán, etc.) also known as elote en vaso (corn in a cup)[1][2][3][4] is a Mexican snack or antojito.[5] You can find them at local markets, and street vendors selling corn. The word esquites comes from the Nahuatl word ízquitl, which means "toasted corn".[6]
Origin
Although its true origin is not known, it is a common understanding that it is a street food that came from Mexico. According to nahuatl stories the esquite is credited to being created by the deity Tlazocihuapilli of Xochimilcas.[7] She is also credited with creating Mexican Atole and corn jelly.[8] There is also an alternative origin Story that claims that, in the late 1800's Emperor Maxamilion and Empress Carlota accidentally came across the dish that they named, "Odalisque Teeth" when they accidentally used corn flour instead of wheat.[9] The modern day esquite is known as a Mestizo preparation because its fundamental ingredients (not including corn) were from Spain. [10]
Ingredients
Esquites are generally made from white corn kernels that have been boiled and softened in water. Usually the water contains salt and epazote. Sometimes the corn is also sauteed in butter and onions after it has been boiled. The white corn kernels are first boiled in this water until soft and tender. The kernels are often boiled in huge pots and served in plastic or styrofoam cups, hence the name in English, "Corn in cup." Sometimes you can even find them being served in corn husks. The ingredients can vary from the place you have purchased it from. Generally toppings for esquites include combinations of lime juice, chile powder or hot sauce, salt, cotija cheese, and mayonnaise.[11][12] In places like Mexico City they are also topped with mexican Chapulines or crickets.
A popular modern-day variation is to top the corn with blended Flamin' Hot Cheetos or Takis. New Variations include all the same ingredients but mixed in with your chip bag of choice.
Other Countries
Esquites is also known in some other countries such as Iran where it is known as "Mexican corn" (Persian: ذرت مکزیکی, zorrat mekziki) and Bulgaria where it is known as "corn in cup" (Bulgarian: царевица в чашка, tsarevitsa v chashka).
See also
- Elote
- Maiz
References
- ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2015-12-08. Retrieved 2015-12-02.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) - ^ "Vaso de Elotes Saludable > Bocadillos | Unilever Food Solutions México". Dec 8, 2015. Archived from the original on December 8, 2015. Retrieved Dec 2, 2019.
- ^ "Recetas de elote en vaso". myTaste.mx. Retrieved 29 May 2018.
- ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2015-12-08. Retrieved 2015-12-02.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) - ^ "Elotes y esquites para quitar el antojo". TV Azteca (in Spanish). Archived from the original on 2010-03-24. Retrieved 2010-09-25.
- ^ Gonzalez, Dommy. "Street Food: Welcome to the Season of Esquites: Mexican Grilled Corn". LA Weekly. Archived from the original on 2010-08-19. Retrieved 2010-09-25.
- ^ Amigofoods (2021-03-05). "Esquites, Mexican Corn In A Cup". The Best Latin & Spanish Food Articles & Recipes - Amigofoods. Retrieved 2022-05-04.
- ^ Sam, Vanessa; Rebolledo, Christian Valera (2021-01-06). "Mexican Esquites Give a Tasty Twist to Corn". Zenger News. Retrieved 2022-05-04.
- ^ Amigofoods (2021-03-05). "Esquites, Mexican Corn In A Cup". The Best Latin & Spanish Food Articles & Recipes - Amigofoods. Retrieved 2022-05-04.
- ^ "Esquites, the most popular corn craving in Mexico". Mexicanist. 2021-10-27. Retrieved 2022-05-04.
- ^ Patronite, Rob; Raisfeld, Robin. "The Esquites Man". New York. Retrieved 2010-09-25.
- ^ Cardona, Gloria (2007-09-01). Esquites. Delicias vegetarianas de México (in Spanish). ISBN 978-968-860-836-4. Retrieved 2010-09-24.