Ecuador Choclo Asado con Queso Recipe: When I think of snacks from Ecuador, one dish always comes to mind: Choclo Asado con Queso. This delicious combination of grilled corn topped with fresh cheese captures the heart of Ecuadorian cuisine. It’s not just a snack; it’s a delightful appetizer or side dish that brings people together.
I love how simple yet satisfying this recipe is. Picture tender, charcoal-grilled corn served with creamy queso fresco, making it the perfect treat for gatherings with friends or family. This dish offers a burst of flavor and a touch of Ecuadorian culture in every bite. Whether enjoyed at a street vendor stall or prepared at home, Choclo Asado con Queso is sure to impress.
In this blog post, I’ll share my favorite recipe and tips to recreate this tasty Ecuadorian dish easily. Join me as we dive into the steps to make this mouthwatering treat a part of your next meal!
Preparation Essentials
To create a delicious Choclo Asado con Queso, I focus on a few key preparation steps. These include cleaning and preparing the choclo, selecting the right cheese, and preparing fresh herbs and spices to enhance the dish’s flavor.
Cleaning and Preparing Choclo
First, I choose fresh choclo, which is larger and less sweet than the corn found in the U.S. I start by removing the husks and silk from each ear of choclo.
It’s important to wash them under cold running water to eliminate any dirt. Once clean, I cut the choclo into smaller sections if needed. This makes grilling easier and ensures even cooking. If I’m using tender choclo, it can be left whole for a more traditional presentation.
Before grilling, I often wrap the choclo in aluminum foil to keep it moist. This also helps the flavors combine beautifully while cooking over charcoal.
Cheese Selection and Preparation
Next, I focus on the cheese. I prefer using queso fresco for its creamy texture and mild flavor. I cut the cheese into thick slices or crumble it, depending on my mood.
Sometimes, I use mozzarella as a substitute if I can’t find queso fresco. Both options melt well when placed over warm choclo. The warmth helps the cheese soften, creating a delightful creamy topping.
In addition, I prepare some mayonnaise mixed with herbs for an extra layer of flavor. This will be served on the side or drizzled over the finished dish.
Herbs and Spices Preparation
For herbs, I like to use cilantro as my go-to choice. I wash it thoroughly, then chop it finely.
Fresh cilantro gives a bright, refreshing taste that pairs perfectly with the grilled choclo and cheese. If I’m feeling adventurous, I might sprinkle in some chili powder for a little heat. Just a pinch can elevate the dish beautifully. I blend these flavors together so they’re ready to be added at the end, brightening up the entire meal.
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
Making Choclo Asado con Queso is a fun and rewarding process. I’ll guide you through grilling the corn, melting the cheese, and the final touches for presentation.
Grilling the Choclo
To start, I choose fresh choclo, which is a special type of white corn. If you can’t find it, regular corn will work, too. First, I soak the ears of corn in water for about 30 minutes. This helps keep them moist while grilling.
Once they’re soaked, I heat the grill to medium-high. I place the soaked choclo directly on the grill grates. I grill them for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally. The corn should become tender and slightly charred. I can tell they’re ready when I see beautiful grill marks and hear that nice sizzle!
After grilling, I take them off the grill and let them cool for a few minutes. This makes it easier to handle without burning my hands.
Melting the Cheese
Next, I focus on the cheese. I love using queso fresco for this recipe because it melts wonderfully. I crumble or slice about one cup of queso fresco.
To melt the cheese, I can use a stovetop method. I place a non-stick pan over low heat, then add the crumbled cheese to the pan. I stir gently as it melts, watching closely to avoid burning it.
If I prefer the oven, I can preheat it to 350°F (175°C). I spread the cheese on a baking dish and bake for 5-7 minutes until it’s gooey and golden. Either way, I want the cheese nice and warm, ready to top my grilled corn.
Final Touches and Presentation
Now it’s time for the final touches! I take the grilled corn and arrange them neatly on a serving plate.
To top off each ear, I drizzle the melted cheese generously over the corn. For added flavor, I sprinkle on some chopped cilantro and a dollop of avocado cream if I have it.
This simple twist not only looks great but also makes the dish taste delicious. I serve the Choclo Asado con Queso right away to enjoy it warm. It’s perfect as a snack or side dish!
Serving Suggestions
When I serve Choclo Asado con Queso, I like to think about complementary flavors and how to make the dish visually appealing. The right accompaniments and presentation can enhance the experience for everyone.
Accompaniments
Choclo Asado con Queso pairs beautifully with a variety of traditional Ecuadorian dishes. Some favorites include:
- Llapingachos: These are potato patties filled with cheese. They add a hearty touch to the meal.
- Empanadas: These stuffed pastries are great as a side and can be filled with anything from meat to cheese.
- Tamales: The savory corn dough adds more texture and flavor to the meal.
- Humitas: These are soft, steamed corn cakes that complement the grilled corn perfectly.
I also like to include fresh salsa or a side salad for a refreshing crunch. You can use ingredients like diced tomatoes, avocados, and cilantro for added flavor.
Nutritional Information
Choclo Asado con Queso is not only delicious but also offers some nutritional benefits. Here’s a quick look at what you get in this tasty dish.
Fiber
Choclo (sweet corn) is a great source of fiber. One serving can provide around 2-3 grams of fiber. This helps with digestion and keeps me feeling full longer.
Energy
This dish is packed with energy! Each serving gives me approximately 150-200 calories, making it a satisfying snack or side. It provides the fuel I need for my daily activities.
Sweet Corn Benefits
Choclo is less sweet than regular yellow corn, which means it has a balanced flavor. It also contains important vitamins like B vitamins and folate. These are great for supporting my overall health.
Here’s a quick nutritional breakdown:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150-200 |
| Fiber | 2-3 grams |
| Protein | 4-5 grams |
| Fats | 1-2 grams |
Eating choclo asado with cheese adds a little extra protein and calcium from the cheese. This makes my snack not just tasty but also nutritious!
Ingredients For the Ecuador Choclo Asado con Queso Recipe
Mayonnaise
Cilantro
Cheese
Corn
Salt
Pepper
Cooking Instructions For the Ecuador Choclo Asado con Queso Recipe
Sauté the garlic in a pan until nearly soft, then remove and let it cool. Finely chop it into a paste-like consistency and transfer it to a bowl.
Mix in Mayonnaise and chopped cilantro. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Coat the corn with the prepared sauce, then sprinkle with grated cheese. Serve and enjoy.
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FAQ For the Ecuador Choclo Asado con Queso Recipe
Question: What is the Ecuador Choclo Asado con Queso recipe?
A: The Ecuador Choclo Asado con Queso recipe is a traditional Ecuadorian dish featuring roasted corn on the cob, known as choclo, served with a generous portion of melted cheese. The corn is often grilled over an open flame to enhance its smoky flavor.
Question: How do you prepare the Ecuador Choclo Asado con Queso recipe?
A: To prepare the Ecuador Choclo Asado con Queso recipe, you start by roasting or grilling the choclo until it’s tender and slightly charred. Then, the roasted corn is topped with crumbled or melted cheese, often queso fresco, and served warm.
Question: What are the main ingredients in the Ecuador Choclo Asado con Queso recipe?
A: The main ingredients in the Ecuador Choclo Asado con Queso recipe are choclo (Ecuadorian corn), cheese (typically queso fresco), and sometimes butter or herbs for additional flavor.
Question: Can I use regular corn instead of choclo in the Ecuador Choclo Asado con Queso recipe?
A: While you can use regular corn, choclo is preferred in the Ecuador Choclo Asado con Queso recipe due to its larger, chewier kernels and sweeter taste. It provides a unique texture and flavor that regular corn cannot replicate.
Question: What other toppings can be added to the Ecuador Choclo Asado con Queso recipe?
A: While the Ecuador Choclo Asado con Queso recipe typically includes cheese, you can add additional toppings like butter, sour cream, or herbs like cilantro. Some variations also include a sprinkle of salt or chili powder for an extra kick.
Ecuador Choclo Asado con Queso Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cloves Garlic finely chopped
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
- 2 tsp Cilantro chopped
- 1 cup Cheese grated fresh
- 4 units Corn
- 1/4 tsp Salt to taste
- 1/4 tsp Pepper
Instructions
- Sauté the garlic in a pan until nearly soft, then remove and let it cool. Finely chop it into a paste-like consistency and transfer it to a bowl.
- Mix in Mayonnaise and chopped cilantro. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Coat the corn with the prepared sauce, then sprinkle with grated cheese. Serve and enjoy.
Nutrition
1 comment
The reason I liked this recipe so much was how it delivered such a satisfying meal without being too complicated. The flavors worked together nicely, and the instructions were easy to follow. It’s a great option when I want something tasty but not too heavy.