Calabacitas: A Simple and Flavorful Mexican Vegetable Dish for Beginners
Say hello to Calabacitas, the easy, flavorful Mexican vegetable dish that’s perfect for beginners! Made with zucchini, corn, tomatoes, and a touch of spice, this vibrant dish is the perfect way to enjoy fresh veggies with bold flavors. Serve it as a tasty side, a filling taco topping, or even on its own for a satisfying meatless meal. It’s quick, wholesome, and oh-so-delicious! Ready to bring a taste of Mexico to your table?
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- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 poblano pepper, diced
- 1 jalapeño pepper, diced (remove seeds for less spice)
- 1 15-ounce can whole kernel corn, drained
- 2 plum tomatoes, diced
- 1 large zucchini, sliced into half moons
- 1 large yellow squash, sliced into half moons
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 cup cooked, diced chicken breast or ground beef
- Optional garnishes: crumbled cotija cheese, chopped cilantro
Instructions
1. Prepare the Ingredients
Before starting the cooking process, dice the onion, poblano pepper, and jalapeño. Slice the zucchini and yellow squash into half-moons and mince the garlic. Having everything prepped ahead of time will make cooking more efficient.
2. Cook the Protein
If using chicken, heat the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken breast and cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are fully cooked and slightly golden. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
If using ground beef, cook it in the pan, breaking it into smaller pieces with a wooden spoon. Once browned and fully cooked, drain any excess grease and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet, heat an additional tablespoon of olive oil (if needed) over medium-high heat. Add the diced onions, poblano pepper, and jalapeño. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften.
4. Add the Corn and Tomatoes
Stir in the drained corn and diced plum tomatoes. Continue to cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to release their juices and blend with the other ingredients.
5. Incorporate the Zucchini and Squash
Add the sliced zucchini, yellow squash, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, oregano, and ground cumin. Stir everything together to evenly distribute the seasoning. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Simmer the Mixture
Pour in 1/4 cup of water, lower the heat to a gentle simmer, and cover the skillet with a lid. Let the mixture cook for 5 minutes, allowing the steam to soften the vegetables further while enhancing their flavor.
7. Add the Cheese and Milk
Remove the lid and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and milk. Continue stirring until the cheese melts completely, creating a creamy consistency. If the mixture appears too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen it up.
8. Reintroduce the Protein and Garnish
Return the cooked chicken or ground beef to the skillet, mixing it well with the vegetables. Once everything is heated through, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with chopped cilantro and crumbled cotija cheese, if desired.
9. Serve and Enjoy
Calabacitas is now ready to be served. It can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a variety of side dishes.
Notes
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Vegetables Overcooking: To prevent mushy zucchini and squash, avoid over-stirring and ensure they are added in the later stages of cooking. Keeping them slightly firm enhances the dish’s texture.
- Excess Liquid: If the mixture appears too watery, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to allow the excess moisture to evaporate.
- Cheese Clumping: Adding the cheese off the heat and stirring continuously helps prevent clumping and ensures an even melt.
Helpful Kitchen Tips
- Efficient Prep: Chop all vegetables before starting to cook. This makes the process smoother and reduces stress in the kitchen.
- Spice Control: Taste the dish as you go and adjust the seasoning to preference. Adding a pinch of smoked paprika or chili powder can deepen the flavor.
- One-Pan Convenience: Cooking everything in the same skillet not only enhances the flavors but also makes cleaning up much easier.