Mexican Street Corn Waffles

Makes 7 classic-style waffles or 5 Belgian-style waffles

1/3  cup plus 2 teaspoons vegetable oil,
        divided
3      ears corn, husked, kernels cut from
        cobs (about 1½ to 2 cups)
¾     cup unbleached all-purpose flour
½     cup masa harina*
½     cup yellow cornmeal
1      tablespoon granulated sugar
1      teaspoon baking powder
½     teaspoon baking soda
1      teaspoon kosher salt
1½   cups low-fat buttermilk
2      large eggs
To finish waffles:
Lime Crema (recipe follows)
1      cup crumbled cotija cheese
        ground chipotle powder, for sprinkling
        chopped fresh cilantro and lime
        wedges, for serving

Nutritional information per classic waffle
(without crema and cheese): Calories 287 (57% from fat)
carb. 34g • pro. 8g • fat 14g • sat. fat 2g • chol. 56mg
sod. 536mg • calc. 85mg • fiber 3g
Nutritional information per Belgian waffle
(without crema and cheese): Calories 402 (42% from fat)
carb. 48g • pro. 11g • fat 19g • sat. fat 3g • chol. 79mg
sod. 750mg • calc. 119mg • fiber 4g

1. In a medium to large skillet, heat the
2 teaspoons of vegetable oil over mediumhigh heat. When the oil is hot and
shimmering, add the corn and cook without
stirring until lightly charred on one side,
2 to 3 minutes. Turn the kernels over and
cook for an additional minute until crisp and
tender. Remove from the heat and reserve.
2. Whisk together the dry ingredients in a
large bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk the
buttermilk, eggs, and remaining vegetable
oil to combine. Add the liquid ingredients to
the dry and whisk until mostly smooth. Fold
in the reserved corn kernels.
3. Secure the desired waffle plates in the
waffle maker. Preheat the waffle maker
to the desired setting; use a higher
setting is recommended for crisp waffles.
The waffle maker will beep to indicate
it is ready to use.
4. Pour the recommended amount of batter,
depending on whether Belgian- or classicstyle waffles are being prepared, onto the
center of the bottom waffle plate. Close the
waffle maker, but do not lock. The waffle
is done when the ready-for-use indicator
beeps. Carefully open the waffle maker and
remove the baked waffle. Repeat with the
remaining batter.
5. Drizzle (or pipe, for a restaurant-style
presentation) some Lime Crema on each
waffle and top with some of the cotija
cheese. Sprinkle with ground chipotle
and cilantro. Serve immediately.
* Masa harina is a finely ground flour made
from dried corn soaked in lime water and is
traditionally used for making corn tortillas.
It is available in most grocery stores.