Whether you call it maíz, elote, choclo or mazorca, there's no denying that corn is one of the staples of Latin American cuisine. From tamales to tortillas and from pupusas to arepas, corn has always been a key ingredient in Latin kitchens. So we figured it'd be a good idea to put together some awesome recipes in which corn is the star.
More from MamásLatinas: 40 Affordable dinners made with Latin ingredients
Without a doubt, the most famous of all dishes where corn in the main ingredient is the always delectable tortilla de maíz. There's absolutely nothing like the taste (and smell!) of freshly made corn tortillas. In fact, whenever I'm lucky enough to get a whiff of them, I'm transported to my childhood in Mexico and the guy who used to come around our neighborhood on his bike selling the corn tortillas his wife had just made. We used to sprinkle them with a bit of salt, roll them up and devour them while they were still hot. Yum!
But, being Peruvian, that also means that I learned to eat corn in many other different ways. Not to mention that, when I got older, I moved to Miami and found out that corn is used in a lot more dishes throughout Latin America than I ever imagined.
Check out some of our favorite ones!
Grilled corn & black bean salad is perfect for summer.
Since grilling season has official started, this is the perfect salad to make with grilled corn.
Find the recipe at Food Network.
Spicy corn salsa is full of flavor and spice.
Store-bought salsas are life savers, but when you realize how easy it is to make this one, you'll never buy one again.
Find the recipe at Recipe 4 Living.
Fresh corn and quinoa salad is another delicious menu option for the summer.
As you've probably already seen, corn is a versatile ingredient and you can pretty much include it in any kind of salad.
Find the recipe at Aggie's Kitchen.
Mayan couscous is another fresh salad option with corn.
This Yucatan version of a Middle Eastern staple tastes delicious with the addition of corn, black beans and cilantro.
Find the recipe at Allrecipes.
Creamy corn made in the slow cooker is a yummy side dish.
Nothing is easier than throwing a few ingredients in a slow cooker and forgetting about it until it's ready. This is one of those recipes.
Find the recipe at Taste of Home.
Cowboy caviar is as colorful as it is healthy.
Feel free to add any kind of fresh veggie to this delicious dip with an even better dressing.
Find the recipe at Culinary Hill.
Poblano potato salad for a twist on an American classic.
Never thought that adding corn to a potato salad was an option? Well, check out this tasty version that not only has corn, but also charred poblano chiles.
Find the recipe at MamásLatinas.
Grilled corn on the cob is a must at any BBQ.
Seems kind of silly to include this here, but you should know there's a science to getting the best grilled corn on the cob.
Find the recipe at MamásLatinas.
Esquites is the way to eat corn on the cob like a Mexican.
Esquites is one of the most common street foods you'll find in Mexico. The toppings can vary, but they usually include cheese, mayo and chile piquín.
Find the recipe at MamásLatinas.
Elotes callejeros are another delectable option when it comes to eating corn on the cob.
Another street food, these unique corn on the cobs are usually topped with cheese and chili piquín.
Find the recipe at MamásLatinas.
Roasted garlic grilled vegetables are the perfect summer side dish.
Make sure you grill some corn, but pretty much anything goes!
Find the recipe at McCormick.
Cornbread is not only for Thanksgiving.
What I love the most about cornbread is its versatility. You can have it warm with some butter for breakfast or you can have it as a side dish with soup, for example. Either way, it's going to be a delicious addition to your menu.
Find the recipe at MamásLatinas.
Corn muffins with a secret ingredient.
These corn muffins are stuffed with chorizo and jalapeño. I don't think I need say more!
Find the recipe at MamásLatinas.
Corn fritters are perfect for dipping.
And the best part is that you can make them with frozen corn.
Find the recipe at MamásLatinas.
Corn chowder with bacon and potatoes is a hearty dinner option.
The bacon is what makes this chowder so good!
Find the recipe at Allrecipes.
Colombian ajiaco soup is perfect for when it's a bit chilly outside.
This is one of my favorite Colombian dishes. Even though ajiaco is made in several Latin American countries, I think Colombians really know how to make it.
Find the recipe at MamásLatinas.
Shrimp & corn chowder looks as good as it tastes.
Why just serve corn chowder when you can jazz it up with some shrimp?
Find the recipe at Laylita's Recipes.
Pulled chicken and corn tamales are a complete meal.
Although making these tamales is time-consuming, you won't regret it once you get a taste of them.
Find the recipe at Martha Stewart.
Hallacas are Venezuela's version of tamales.
My daughter is married to a Venezuelan and the first time I tried hallacas was during Christmas when his mom made them a few years back. They are definitely not to be missed!
Find the recipe at MamásLatinas.
Humitas from Ecuador are good for breakfast or with coffee in the afternoon.
Made with ground corn, this version of tamales from Ecuador sound absolutely delightful.
Find the recipe at Laylita's Recipes.
Popcorn any way you want it.
The best thing about palomitas de maíz is that you can add any kind of flavor you want to them: salty, sweet, spicy or all three. The combinations are endless!
Find the recipe at Food Network.
Cachapas is another delightful dish from Venezuela.
They're sweet and cheesy and they are to die for!
Find the recipe at Cachapas.
Arepas are yummy no matter what you stuff them with.
Whether arepas are from Colombia or from Venezuela will always be up for debate, but what's extremely clear is that they are the kind of food everyone should try at least once.
Find the recipe at MamásLatinas.
Pozole is a staple soup in Mexican cuisine.
This hearty soup is made with corn that has been dried and is also known as hominy.
Find the recipe at MamásLatinas.
Pupusas are corn tortillas like no other.
I'll never forget the first time I tried pupusas topped with that delicious encurtido (cole slaw) Salvadorans eat them with. If you haven't tried them, do yourself a favor and find a way to do so.
Find the recipe at MamásLatinas.
Espesado is a corn and cilantro lovers delight.
Made with two favorite Latin ingredients — corn and cilantro — this dish originated in the northern part of Peru.
Find the recipe at MamásLatinas.
Black bean & corn quesadillas for when you get bored of the regular ones.
If you've never have these, I highly recommend you make them for lunch or snack. You won't regret it!
Find the recipe at Allrecipes.
Pastel de choclo or corn casserole is simply mouth-watering.
This beef and corn casserole hails from down south… Chile to be more exact and it's one of the country's traditional dishes.
Find the recipe at MamásLatinas.
Arroz con maíz is the easiest way to upgrade white rice.
All you need to make is some great tasting white rice and add a can of corn! Doesn't get easier than that.
Find the recipe at Smart Little Cookie.
Corn fried rice for a super easy and yummy weeknight dinner.
Depending on how you like your fried rice, you're most likely already including corn as one of the ingredients.
Find the recipe at Food Network.
Caldo de res or Mexican beef soup is a great dinner meal.
Although caldo de res is a Mexican dish, many Latin American countries have their own versions (known as sancocho or sancochado). The point is that it's a soup or broth full of flavor with corn as one of its ingredients.
Find the recipe at Allrecipes.
Polenta is an Italian dish, but Argentina has adopted it as its own.
Polenta is something I learned how to eat as a child while I lived in Argentina, where it's served as a side dish.
Find the recipe at Serious Eats.
Vegetarian chili is the perfect dish for chilly days.
Who says you can't have chili if you're vegetarian? This hearty dish will warm body and heart!
Find the recipe at Allrecipes.
Tomato and corn pizza to jazz up pizza night.
An unlikely combination that you'll be happy you tried.
Find the recipe at My Recipes.
Spaghetti with corn is a simple dish anyone can make.
Who would've thought, right? More proof that you can eat corn with anything!
Find the recipe at Relish.
Mazamorra morada is a flavorful Peruvian dessert.
This dessert is made with the purple corn used to make one of Peru's staple drink, chicha morada. With pieces of dried and fresh fruits, it's a savory corn dessert you won't easily forget.
Find the recipe at MamásLatinas.
Corn paletas are a unique treat for elote lovers.
I know it sounds super strange, but they're an actual dessert. I guess you can't judge until you try them, don't you think?
Find the recipe at Dora's Table.
Chicha morada is the national non-alcoholic drink of Peru.
Like a good Peruvian, I can't resist a nice, tall glass of cold chicha morada. Made with purple corn, the flavor is hard to explalin if you haven't tasted it.
Find the recipe at The Kitchn.
Atole is the perfect drink for winter.
This delectable warm drink is usually drank for breakfast and its versions differ depending on the region of Mexico where it's made.
Find the recipe at Curious Cuisiniere.
Champurrado is like hot chocolate but MUCH better.
What does hot chocolate have to do with corn, you ask? Well, for the champurrado to thicken, you need corn flour (or masa harina).
Find the recipe at MamásLatinas.
