Calabacitas Con Queso Recipe
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This Mexican calabacitas con queso recipe is perfect to serve as a meatless main along with warm tortillas, rice, and salsa. As a side for your favorite protein, or also used to make tacos, quesadillas, and tostadas!
Equipment
- knife and cutting board
- skillet or cooking pan
Ingredients
- 1.1 lb Calabacitas or zucchini (cut into cubes or half-moons)
- 1 cup shredded Oaxaca cheese (or any other melty cheese)
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 2 medium tomatoes (diced)
- 1 -7oz can corn kernels (drained)
- 1 poblano pepper or green bell pepper (diced)
- 1 jalapeño pepper (chopped)
- 3 Tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- ½ tsp ground pepper
- 1 cup low sodium vegetable stock (or water)
- salt (to taste)
Instructions
- Heat oil on a pan or cast iron skillet over medium heat.
- Add poblano, jalapeño peppers, and onions. Sauté for 5 minutes or until onions become transparent and peppers start to soften.
- Add calabacitas squash and cook, stirring constantly for 3-4 minutes.
- Add tomatoes, garlic, and corn. Season with cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well and allow everything to cook for 3-4 minutes stirring constantly.
- Add vegetable stock (or water), mix well and bring to a simmer.
- Cover and cook stirring from time to time until all vegetables are tender.
- Adjust with salt and pepper, add ⅔ of cheese and mix well.
- Add the remaining cheese on top, cover the pan, and turn off the heat.
- Allow resting for a couple of minutes or until cheese melts on top.
- Serve as suggested in the recipe notes below.
Notes
- Spices. Add some dried epazote or a pinch of Mexican oregano for extra flavor.
- Sub the cheese. You can also use no-melty cheese, for example, cotija cheese or queso fresco.
- Make it vegan. Leave out the cheese or replace it with your favorite vegan cheese.
- Add freshness. If you love the flavor, add some chopped cilantro or parsley for garnish.
Serving suggestions
- red rice
- refried beans
- corn tortillas
- flour tortillas
- make zucchini tacos
- stuff on fried quesadillas
- pair with melon agua fresca
- finish the meal with any of those desserts: gelatina de mosaico, fresas con crema, or Tres Leches Cake.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 323kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 21mg | Sodium: 639mg | Potassium: 703mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 1086IU | Vitamin C: 64mg | Calcium: 82mg | Iron: 2mg
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