In a typical year, I'd bring salsas to Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, but this isn't a typical year. Squirrels have eaten most of my tomatoes, the tomatillos are producing very little, and I wasn't able to get jalapeno plants, instead I ended up with poblanos... which actually produced abundantly but very mild.
So this is sort of a dip or a salad, based on the flavors of esquites/elote but more pepper-heavy:
3 or so Poblano Chiles, diced 1/4" (not roasted), makes about 1 1/2 cups
1/2 red onion, diced 1/4", about 1/2 C
1/2 C corn (I had a can; fresh would be better)
2 T butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/3 C mayonaise
1/4 C sour cream
small handful cilantro, minced
1 Tbs green chile powder (mine has been around for a while, it had very little heat)
salt and pepper
juice of 1 small or 1/2 large lime
3Tbs cotija cheese, crumbled (could use feta or parmesan in a pinch)
In a very large cast iron skillet, heat the butter on medium-high until the foam subsides. Add the chile, onion and corn spread out in a layer. Let sit 2 minutes, stir to sear the other sides of things, add the garlic, then keep stirring every minute or so until you see a dark brown on much of the corn and chile. Remove from heat, let cool a bit.
Mix the sour cream, mayo, chile powder, lime juice, cheese, cilantro; salt and pepper to taste.
Add to the vegetables in a small serving bowl until they're coated -- don't over-dress. Chill at least an hour. Serve with tortilla chips.
It'd probably be good warm too, but might be a little sloppy. I would try trading out the sour cream for cream cheese in that case.
What is patriotism, but the love of good things we ate in our childhood?
-- Lin Yutang