Easy 20-Minute Calabacitas Recipe

Name: Easy 20-Minute Calabacitas Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 4 medium zucchini or Mexican squash (diced (½-inch pieces)); 2 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen); 1 medium white onion (diced); 2 Roma tomatoes (diced); 2 poblano peppers or 1 can (4 oz diced green chilies); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 cup Mexican crema or sour cream (optional); 1 cup queso fresco or Monterey Jack cheese; Salt and black pepper to taste; Fresh cilantro for garnish; Lime wedges for serving

If you've been searching for that perfect calabacitas recipe that'll transport you straight to your abuela's kitchen, you're in the right place! I'm thrilled to share my favorite calabacitas recipe with you – one that's been passed down through generations of home cooks who know that the best dishes come from the heart. Picture this: tender summer squash, sweet corn kernels fresh off the cob, juicy tomatoes, and perfectly seasoned peppers, all coming together in a dance of flavors that'll have everyone at your table asking for seconds.

You know what I absolutely adore about this calabacitas recipe? It's how it takes those humble veggies from your garden or local market and transforms them into something magical. Trust me, whether you're a kitchen pro or just getting started with Mexican cooking, this traditional calabacitas recipe is going to become your new best friend. There's something almost meditative about watching these simple ingredients transform as they cook together, creating this amazing melody of textures and tastes that just feels like a warm hug.

A vibrant and flavorful Calabacitas recipe in a cast-iron skillet, featuring sautéed zucchini, corn, red bell peppers, and tomatoes, garnished with fresh cilantro, crumbled queso fresco, and lime wedges. This traditional Mexican zucchini dish is a colorful and healthy vegetarian meal, perfect as a side or main course.

Why You'll Love This Calabacitas Recipe

You'll fall in love with this calabacitas recipe for so many reasons. As a quick and easy one-pan dish that comes together in just 30 minutes, it's perfect for busy weeknight dinners or last-minute side dishes. Budget-conscious cooks will appreciate how this recipe transforms affordable seasonal vegetables into a delicious meal that won't break the bank. Its versatility shines through as it can be served as a vegetarian main dish, hearty side, or even as a filling for tacos and burritos, with endless possibilities for customization.

Health-conscious eaters will appreciate that it's naturally low-calorie, rich in vitamins, and can be easily adapted for dairy-free or vegan diets. Meal preppers will love how a big batch can be enjoyed throughout the week, with flavors that actually improve over time. Even picky eaters tend to enjoy this dish, thanks to the kid-friendly combination of sweet corn and tender squash.

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Calabacitas Recipe
Ingredients
Calabacitas Recipe Instructions
Hints and Tips
Dietary Benefits & Serving Suggestions
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
Equipment
Storage
Top Tip
Grandma's Magic Touch
FAQ
How did your Calabacitas Recipe turn out?
Related
Pairing
Easy 20-Minute Calabacitas Recipe

Ingredients

Let's gather our ingredients! Here's everything you'll need to create this cozy Mexican dish:

Grab 4 medium zucchini (or Mexican squash if you can find them!) and cut them into bite-sized ½-inch pieces
2 cups of corn - fresh from the cob is amazing, but frozen works perfectly too
1 medium white onion, chopped up into small pieces
2 juicy Roma tomatoes, diced into cheerful little chunks
For that authentic Mexican flavor, you'll want 2 poblano peppers (or keep it simple with a 4 oz can of diced green chilies)
3 cloves of garlic, minced - feel free to add more if you're a garlic lover!
2 tablespoons of vegetable oil for cooking
Want to make it creamy? Add 1 cup of Mexican crema or sour cream (totally optional, but so good!)
For extra yumminess, grab 1 cup of crumbly queso fresco or Monterey Jack cheese (again, optional but recommended!)
A pinch or two of salt and black pepper - you know your taste buds best!
A handful of fresh cilantro to sprinkle on top - it adds such a lovely fresh touch!

Fresh and vibrant ingredients for an authentic Calabacitas recipe, including zucchini, corn, tomatoes, onions, poblano peppers, garlic, cheese, and cilantro, neatly arranged on a rustic wooden cutting board. These colorful and wholesome ingredients highlight the traditional Mexican zucchini dish, perfect for a flavorful and healthy meal.

Calabacitas Recipe Instructions

Let's Get Prepping!

First things first, let's get all our veggies ready for their starring role:

Give all your vegetables a good bath under cool running water - we want them squeaky clean!
Now for the zucchini - cut them into cute ½-inch cubes. Try to keep them about the same size so they'll cook evenly (your taste buds will thank you!)
Grab your onion and dice it up nice and fine, then mince that garlic until it's super fragrant
If you're using fresh poblanos (you fancy cook, you!), pop them under the broiler until they're nicely charred. Once they're cool enough to handle, peel off the skin, remove the seeds, and dice them up
Using fresh corn? Run your knife down the cob to remove those sweet kernels - and don't worry if they bounce around a bit, they tend to be playful!

Time to Start Cooking!

Let's build those amazing flavors:

Get your skillet nice and warm over medium heat with a swirl of vegetable oil
Toss in those diced onions and let them do their thing until they turn translucent and soft (about 5 minutes - perfect time to do a little kitchen dance!)
Add your minced garlic and let it work its aromatic magic for about 30 seconds
In go the poblanos or green chilies - give them 2 minutes to get friendly with the onions and garlic

Adding Our Star Players

Now for the main event:

Add your zucchini cubes to the party in the skillet
Season with salt and pepper - remember, you can always add more later!
Let everything cook for 5-7 minutes, giving it an occasional stir (no need to hover - this is a good time to set the table)
Now add your corn kernels and tomatoes to the mix
Another 5-7 minutes of cooking and you're looking for that perfect tender-crisp zucchini texture - it should be soft but still hold its shape like a champ

Sautéing diced onions, minced garlic, and roasted poblano peppers in a sizzling skillet for an authentic Calabacitas recipe. The steam rising from the pan captures the rich aroma of this traditional Mexican zucchini dish, which is a flavorful and healthy vegetarian meal.

The Grand Finale

Let's make it look and taste amazing:

Want it creamy? Stir in that Mexican crema - it adds such a lovely richness!
Sprinkle your queso fresco on top and watch it get slightly melty
Finally, scatter some fresh cilantro over everything for a pop of color and fresh flavor
Serve it up while it's hot - and get ready for the compliments!

Hints and Tips

The key to perfect calabacitas is not overcooking the zucchini. You want the squash to be tender-crisp, not mushy. Test the texture with a fork – it should pierce easily but still offer some resistance. For the best results, use fresh, firm zucchini that's medium in size, as very large squash can be watery and less flavorful.

Dietary Benefits & Serving Suggestions

This calabacitas recipe is naturally gluten-free and can easily be made vegan by omitting the cream and cheese. It's low in calories but high in fiber, vitamins A and C, and potassium. The dish pairs beautifully with:

Grilled meats or fish
Fresh corn tortillas
Mexican rice
Refried beans
Grilled chicken breast
Warm flour tortillas

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

Make it heartier by adding diced chicken, ground beef, or chorizo
Substitute yellow squash for zucchini
Add bell peppers for extra color and flavor
Use frozen corn when fresh isn't available
Make it spicier with jalapeños or serrano peppers
For a low-carb version, omit the corn
Use coconut cream instead of Mexican crema for a dairy-free option

Equipment

Large skillet or heavy-bottomed pan
Sharp knife for dicing vegetables
Cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons
Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring

Storage

Store leftover calabacitas recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave. While you can freeze calabacitas, the texture of the zucchini may become softer upon thawing. If freezing, store without the cream and cheese, and add these fresh when reheating.

Top Tip

To prevent watery calabacitas recipe, salt the diced zucchini and let it sit in a colander for 15-20 minutes before cooking. This draws out excess moisture, resulting in a better final texture and concentrated flavor. Pat the zucchini dry with paper towels before adding to the pan.

Grandma's Magic Touch

You know those recipes that taste like pure love? That's exactly what this traditional calabacitas recipe brings to your kitchen. My abuela (that's grandmother in Spanish!) passed down this calabacitas recipe through generations, and she always said the secret isn't just in the ingredients – it's in the little moments of care you put into each step.

She'd hum gentle tunes while dicing the zucchini, telling us that happy cooking makes happy food. When neighbors would ask for her calabacitas recipe, she'd smile and say, "It's not just about writing down the steps – it's about feeling the rhythm of cooking." Her special touch? Adding the corn at just the right moment, and always, always tasting for seasoning with a warm smile. This family calabacitas recipe carries all her wisdom, simplified for your kitchen but keeping all that grandmother's love that makes homemade Mexican food so special.

Transform fresh summer squash into a mouthwatering Mexican side dish with this traditional calabacitas recipe. This vibrant combination of zucchini, corn, and Mexican flavors creates a versatile vegetable medley that's both healthy and satisfying. Whether you're looking for an authentic Mexican vegetable dish or a new way to use up garden zucchini, this calabacitas recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

FAQ

Is calabacita the same as zucchini?

While calabacita and zucchini are similar, they're not exactly the same. Calabacita (Mexican squash) is a lighter green, shorter, and slightly sweeter variety of summer squash compared to zucchini. However, both can be used interchangeably in most recipes, including this traditional Mexican dish.

What does calabacitas mean in English?

Calabacitas literally translates to "little squashes" in English. This Spanish diminutive term refers to the traditional Mexican dish made with summer squash, corn, and other vegetables, commonly served as a side dish or vegetarian main course throughout Mexico and the American Southwest.

Are calabacitas good for you?

Yes, calabacitas is an exceptionally healthy dish packed with nutrients. It's low in calories, high in fiber, and rich in vitamins A, C, and K. The combination of squash, corn, and tomatoes provides antioxidants, while the vegetables offer essential minerals like potassium and magnesium. It's also naturally gluten-free and can be made vegan.

What is a calabacito?

A calabacito (singular form of calabacitas) refers to a single small squash, but the term is rarely used alone. The dish "calabacitas" is more commonly known and refers to the complete Mexican vegetable dish that combines squash with corn, tomatoes, and peppers in a flavorful medley.

How did your Calabacitas Recipe turn out?

This recipe is sure to impress with its perfect balance of tender squash, sweet corn, and mild poblano peppers. If you're a fan of Mexican vegetable dishes, be sure to try our old fashioned stuffed bell peppers recipe next – another easy-to-make yet delicious treat!

Did you make this Calabacitas Recipe? We'd love to hear about your experience! Leave a star rating and share your thoughts in the comments. Did you try any creative twists or use any unique ingredients? Maybe you added some Mexican chorizo or made it extra spicy with jalapeños? Your feedback not only helps others but also contributes to our growing community of home cooks. Don't forget to share a photo of your culinary creation!

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