Huitlacoche elotes, or corn brushed with black mushroom puree with cheese and hot chili is my heartfelt, smutty love letter to Mexican street food and mushrooms. Sweet corn season is in full swing here in the Midwest: stands filled with green spears of golden kernels dot the roadsides, parking lots of neighborhood watering holes, private…
Huitlacoche / Corn Mushrooms
Huitlacoche, or corn mushrooms (corn smut) is one of the most fascinating mushrooms I know of. They're a traditional ingredient in South American and Mexican cuisine, and if you like mushrooms and haven't tried it yet, you're missing out on one of the great fungal delicacies of the world.
If you're lucky to have some fresh or frozen, I have plenty of ideas for you to try or get inspiration from. The mushrooms are also sold in cans, and while it isn't as good as fresh, they work as a substitute in a pinch.
If you're new to cooking with these mushrooms, start out by taking a look at my introductory guide that covers finding, harvesting and cooking.
Traditional Mexican Huitlacoche Quesadilla
A simple quesadilla with huitlacoche / corn mushrooms / corn smut is probably a contender for one of the best quesadillas I’ve had, especially if you’re new to cooking with huitlacoche, or, you like it and you want to sneak it into a meal to convert people. A traditional meat substitute Huitlacoche is a traditional…
Huitlacoche Choriqueso
Choriqueso, the ultra-rich appetizer/dish of chorizo sausage baked with cheese or cheese sauce on top is good on its own, but it’s incredible with huitlacoche / corn mushrooms thrown in the mix. It’s a really unique appetizer for feeding a crowd, and a great way to introduce people to huitlacoche. Grated cheese or sauce? Order…
Smoked Shank Stew with Huitlacoche and Tepary Beans
Venison shanks (any shanks, really) make great soup and stews, and this one, with Mexican flavors of dried beans and huitlacoche, is fantastic. Originally I was trying to recreate a soup my mother described to me from a trip to Mazatlan, but, instead of the brothy soup I intended, it turned into a more stick-to-your…
Fresh Tortillas Stuffed with Huitlacoche and Cheese
Fresh masa tortillas stuffed with huitlacoche and cheese. Yes please. When I hired a new prep cook from Oaxaca, one of the first things I asked him about was how mushrooms are traditionally prepared in the region. I remember scribbling down “fresh tortilla with Oaxaca cheese“, assuming it was a sort of quesadilla made with…
Traditional Huitlacoche Mushroom Tacos (Vegetarian)
Cooking huitlacoche to make a simple taco filling is probably one of my favorite vegetarian tacos. It’s also a very traditional recipe for huitlacoche, and you can find all kinds of versions of it online, from all over Mexico and the surrounding area. Traditionally, the corn fungus is gathered and typically stewed with onions, garlic,…
The Huitlacoche Farmer
Driving through what could easily be mistaken for suburbs on the edge of town, I take a couple turns down some winding roads dotted with nice looking houses and big yards. I get to a stop sign, looking at the normal looking house on the corner and stop for a moment, confused. I’m looking for…
The Forager’s Guide to Huitlacoche Mushrooms
More 35 Essential Wild Mushrooms Every Forager Should Know Huitlacoche, also known as cuitlacoche, is by far the most famous of any mushroom eaten in Latin America, with a history and tradition to rival any of the most prized wild mushrooms. If you like Mexican food and haven’t had it, you’re…
