Experience the versatile charm of elote with a vegan twist – enjoy it in a cup, a bowl, or on the cob. Our Vegan Elote Delight boasts charred corn dressed in signature elote seasoning and topped with homemade vegan queso cotija. Whichever way you choose to enjoy it, savor the symphony of flavors in every bite!
Ingredients
- Corn: Juicy cobs, charred for smoky sweetness, embodying the heart of elote.
- Olive Oil: Glistening liquid gold that tenderly graces the corn, enhancing its luscious char.
- Chili Powder: Aromatic medley of spices that bestows warmth and layered complexity.
- Paprika: Intense and earthy, contributing a deep smokiness and a captivating reddish hue.
- Cumin: Ancient spice with a robust, comforting earthiness, enriching the seasoning’s allure.
- Garlic Powder: A whisper of savory depth that elegantly marries with the corn’s essence.
- Cayenne Pepper: The daring dash of fiery excitement, a tease of optional heat.
- Cashews: Silken warriors, soaked to perfection, transforming into the velvety base of our queso.
- Nutritional Yeast: A magical elixir, delivering an enchanting umami reminiscent of aged cheeses.
- Lemon Juice: A vibrant squeeze of tangy radiance, elevating the queso with a refreshing zest.
- Fresh Cilantro: Sprightly freshness dancing on the senses, infusing vitality and aroma.
- Lime Wedges: Glistening emblems of zesty vibrancy, imparting a final flourish of citrusy exuberance.
Recipe Tips and FAQs:
What is vegan queso cotija?
Vegan queso cotija is a plant-based adaptation of the classic Mexican cheese, queso cotija. While traditional queso cotija is made from cow’s milk and is crumbly and salty in texture, the vegan version is crafted using plant-based ingredients, often cashews, combined with nutritional yeast, lemon juice, and spices to replicate the characteristic cheesy and tangy flavor. This dairy-free alternative allows individuals following a vegan or dairy-restricted diet to enjoy the essence of queso cotija, adding a salty and umami-rich element to dishes like elote, tacos, and salads without the use of animal products.
What does elote mean?
“Elote” is a Spanish word that refers to grilled or roasted corn on the cob, typically served as street food in Mexico. The corn is usually cooked over an open flame or on a grill, giving it a smoky and charred flavor. After grilling, the elote is typically coated with a variety of toppings, such as mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chili powder, lime juice, and sometimes butter. It’s a popular and beloved snack or side dish in Mexican cuisine, known for its delicious combination of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors.
What goes well with this vegan elote?
Enhance your elote experience with vibrant Mexican Street Corn Salad, creamy Avocado Salsa, Black Bean Tacos, fragrant Cilantro Lime Rice, Grilled Vegetable Platter, Fresh Fruit Salad, crispy Tortilla Chips, and refreshing Agua Fresca for a harmonious feast. It can be enjoyed on the cob, in a bowl, or even in a cup for extra portability.
What is elote seasoning?
Elote seasoning is a flavorful blend of spices and seasonings traditionally used to enhance the taste of elote, a popular Mexican street food made from grilled or roasted corn on the cob. The seasoning typically includes ingredients like chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and salt.
Other recipes youโll enjoy:
Vegan Elote
Ingredients
For the Elote Seasoning:
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt to taste
For the Vegan Queso Cotija:
- 1 cup raw cashews soaked in water for 2-4 hours and drained
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
For the Corn:
- 4 ears of fresh corn husked
- extra virgin olive oil for brushing
For Garnish:
- chopped fresh cilantro
- lime wedges
- hot sauce or bbq sauce (optional)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and salt. Mix well and set aside.1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, Salt
- In a food processor or high-speed blender, combine the soaked and drained cashews, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, salt, and garlic powder. Blend until smooth and creamy, adding a tablespoon or two of water if needed to achieve the desired consistency. Transfer the vegan queso cotija to a bowl and refrigerate until ready to use.1 cup raw cashews, 2 tbsp nutritional yeast, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Brush each ear of corn with a light layer of olive oil. Place the corn on the grill and cook, turning occasionally, until the kernels are charred and tender, about 8-10 minutes.4 ears of fresh corn, extra virgin olive oil
- Once the corn is grilled, brush each ear with a bit more olive oil. Sprinkle the elote seasoning over the corn, rolling each ear to ensure an even coating.
- Drizzle a generous amount of the vegan queso cotija and hot sauce/bbq sauce (if using) over each ear of corn. Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro on top. Serve the elote with lime wedges for squeezing over the corn.chopped fresh cilantro, lime wedges, hot sauce or bbq sauce
Notes
Nutrition
Disclaimer: I am a health and wellness coach with a degree in health science from Arizona State University. However, I am not a doctor or registered dietitian. Any information or advice provided on this website is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider before making any dietary or lifestyle changes, especially if you have a medical condition. The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional medical advice or a substitute for it.
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