Mexican Street Corn-Inspired Hominy

 

In southern California, there are street vendors that prepare "Mexican Street Corn" - grilled corn on the cob slathered with mayo and rolled in a crumbly Mexican cheese called Cotija.  I've made this much easier at home by preparing hominy in a similar style, with much less fat. 

Cotija is a cow's milk-cheese that is crumbly in texture and salty in flavor, similar to feta, and it doesn't melt.  I prepared a simple can of white or yellow hominy by draining then adding lemon juice.  When microwaved, the lemon flavor is steamed and infused into the hominy.  I then mixed with Cotija cheese and smoked paprika.  I love the added zing of the lemon and the flavor is exactly like the street corn version. 

The canned food makes for a humble but satisfying lunch or side dish, with only four ingredients.  You can adjust proportions to your personal taste.  This is an easy dish kids can make themselves, as long as they can handle a can opener. 

Mexican Street Corn-Inspired Hominy

1 can Hominy

2 Tbsp Lemon Juice 

1/4 to 1/2 Cup Cotija Cheese 

1/4 Tbsp Smoked Paprika or to taste 

 

Drain the hominy.  Place in microwave safe dish, adding the lemon juice.  Cover dish with plastic wrap leaving one corner ventilated.  Heat in microwave as appropriate - for my wattage, it's about 45 seconds.  Mix in Cotija cheese and paprika, and serve.