Description
Calabacitas is a vibrant and comforting traditional Mexican vegetable dish that blends tender zucchini or summer squash, fresh corn, tomatoes, and onions. This easy and quick recipe highlights fresh, wholesome ingredients to create a flavorful side or main dish that’s nutritious, colorful, and adaptable for various dietary preferences including vegan and gluten-free options.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 2 medium zucchini or summer squash, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup fresh corn kernels (or frozen, thawed)
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1–2 green chilies, chopped (optional)
Seasonings and Others
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Vegetables: Wash and chop the zucchini into bite-sized pieces, dice the tomatoes, and finely chop the onions and garlic. If using fresh corn, slice the kernels off the cob. Preparing all ingredients first makes the cooking process smooth and quick.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Toss in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Add Squash and Corn: Stir in the zucchini and corn kernels. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the squash softens but still retains some bite. This is where the dish develops its fresh, vibrant flavor.
- Mix in Tomatoes and Seasonings: Add the diced tomatoes along with salt, pepper, and optional green chilies. Cook everything together for another 3-4 minutes until the tomatoes begin to soften and meld with the other ingredients.
- Final Touches: Remove from heat and stir in freshly chopped cilantro or parsley. This adds a fresh herbal note that brightens up the finished Calabacitas beautifully.
Notes
- Use fresh, in-season vegetables for the best flavor and texture.
- Do not overcook the squash; keep it tender but slightly firm.
- Cook onions and garlic slowly to build depth of flavor before adding other ingredients.
- Adjust salt and pepper at the end to balance the seasoning perfectly.
- Enhance the dish by adding queso fresco or Monterey Jack cheese if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg