Vegan Elote - Cooking Like Kate

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

If cooking your corn in its husk consider soaking it in water prior to cooking. Soaking corn in water while in its husk can enhance cooking results. By preserving moisture and preventing husk burning, this technique ensures tender, flavorful kernels. Remember to remove some husk layers and soak for 15-30 minutes before your chosen cooking method.

For an easier application, mix the olive oil in the seasoning before applying it to the cobs.

Nutrition