This is how obsessions begin. I had one handful of crunchy, salty giant "quicos" corn nuts, and then I couldn't stop thinking about them. I found this bag of giant dried kernels at a local Mexican grocery and I can't wait to try making quicos at home. If you can't quite grasp the scale of these enormous kernels, check out the picture below.
The kernels are completely dried through, like dried beans or other grains. To make them into a crunchy snack, all you have to do is sauté the kernels with a bit of oil in a covered pan. They puff and become airy, but unlike popcorn, they don't totally pop. You sprinkle the warm kernels generously with salt and seasonings, and let the snacking commence!
I haven't had a chance to try my hand at making these yet, but can hardly wait for the chance. Have you ever made quicos at home? Any pointers?
→ Find It! Maiz Cancha Gigante
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I had a chance to dig ditches for indigenous families in Cuzco and the family members would bring a huge sack full of steamed giant corn kernels mixed with lima beans and salt. They are so delicious and chewy when steamed!
Thanks to this post I recognized these when I saw them at a Latin American grocery store today. They are the same brand as in the photo, but referred to as "mote pelado" or "elote gigante" on the package. I'm pretty sure they are the same thing though. I am excited to try them!
By the way, they were $3.79 for a 15 oz bag, not $9.95 + $4.95 shipping for the same quantity as shown in the link above. So I would definitely try a Latin American market first.