The Best Calabacitas Recipe

Calabacitas recipe is a vibrant celebration of fresh vegetables that will tantalize your taste buds! This delightful dish features tender zucchini, sweet corn, and colorful bell peppers, all sautéed to perfection with aromatic garlic and a sprinkle of cumin for that extra kick. Finished with a sprinkle of cheese and fresh cilantro, every bite is a burst of flavor that feels like a warm hug. Perfect as a side or a main dish, this calabacitas recipe is not just easy to make, but it’s also a wholesome treat that everyone will adore!

calabacitas recipe

Chef Jasper

Discover the delicious calabacitas recipe that will tantalize your taste buds! Perfect for any meal, this dish is a must-try!

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course vegetable

Cuisine Mexican, Vegetarian

Servings 4 servings

Calories 150 kcal

Equipment

• 1 Large skillet For sautéing the vegetables.

Ingredients

  

Vegetables

• 2 medium Zucchini Adds a tender texture and mild flavor.
• 1 cup Corn Fresh or frozen.
• 1 any Bell Pepper Brings vibrant color and a crunchy bite.
• 1 small Onion Enhances the dish with its aromatic sweetness.
• 2 cloves Garlic Infuses a rich, savory depth of flavor.

Spices

• 1 teaspoon Cumin Imparts a warm, earthy flavor.
• 1 teaspoon Chili Powder Adds a touch of heat and depth.
• to taste Salt Enhances all the flavors in the dish.
• to taste Black Pepper Adds a subtle kick to the overall taste.
• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil Used for sautéing and adds healthy fats.

Garnish

• to taste Fresh Cilantro Brightens the dish with its fresh, herbal notes.

Instructions

 

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

• Collect 2 medium zucchinis, 1 cup of corn (fresh or frozen), 1 bell pepper (any color), 1 small onion, 2 cloves of garlic, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, salt and pepper to taste, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil.

Step 2: Prep Your Veggies

• Wash the zucchinis and bell pepper. Dice them into bite-sized pieces. Chop the onion and mince the garlic.

Step 3: Heat the Pan

• In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Let it warm up for a minute.

Step 4: Sauté the Aromatics

• Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 5: Add the Veggies

• Stir in the diced zucchini and bell pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften.

Step 6: Spice It Up

• Sprinkle in the cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the veggies in the spices.

Step 7: Add the Corn

• Fold in the corn and cook for another 3-4 minutes until everything is heated through and the flavors meld together.

Step 8: Taste and Adjust

• Give your calabacitas a taste. Adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more salt or spices to suit your preference.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!

• Transfer your calabacitas to a serving dish. Enjoy it warm as a side or a main dish. Dig in and savor every bite!

Keyword Calabacitas

Why You’ll Love This Calabacitas Recipe

• It’s a vibrant, colorful dish that brightens up any table.
• Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Loaded with fresh veggies, it’s a healthy choice for everyone.
• Versatile enough to pair with any main dish or enjoy on its own.
• Customizable with your favorite spices for a personal touch.

Recipe Snapshot

Ingredients for Calabacitas Recipe

• Zucchini – adds a tender texture and mild flavor.
• Yellow Squash – complements zucchini with a slightly sweeter taste.
• Bell Peppers – brings vibrant color and a crunchy bite.
• Onion – enhances the dish with its aromatic sweetness.
• Garlic – infuses a rich, savory depth of flavor.
• Tomatoes – adds juiciness and acidity to balance the dish.
• Black Beans – provides protein and a hearty texture.
• Olive Oil – used for sautéing and adds healthy fats.
• Cumin – imparts a warm, earthy flavor that complements the veggies.
• Chili Powder – adds a touch of heat and depth.
• Salt – enhances all the flavors in the dish.
• Black Pepper – adds a subtle kick to the overall taste.
• Fresh Cilantro – brightens the dish with its fresh, herbal notes.

Ingredients with measurements will be right under the article in the recipe card.

How to Make the Calabacitas Recipe

Get ready to whip up a delicious calabacitas dish that will make your taste buds dance!

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Collect 2 medium zucchinis, 1 cup of corn (fresh or frozen), 1 bell pepper (any color), 1 small onion, 2 cloves of garlic, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, salt and pepper to taste, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil.

Step 2: Prep Your Veggies

Wash the zucchinis and bell pepper. Dice them into bite-sized pieces. Chop the onion and mince the garlic.

Step 3: Heat the Pan

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Let it warm up for a minute.

Step 4: Sauté the Aromatics

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 5: Add the Veggies

Stir in the diced zucchini and bell pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften.

Step 6: Spice It Up

Sprinkle in the cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the veggies in the spices.

Step 7: Add the Corn

Fold in the corn and cook for another 3-4 minutes until everything is heated through and the flavors meld together.

Step 8: Taste and Adjust

Give your calabacitas a taste. Adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more salt or spices to suit your preference.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!

Transfer your calabacitas to a serving dish. Enjoy it warm as a side or a main dish. Dig in and savor every bite!

Pro Tips for Making the Calabacitas Recipe

• Use fresh, seasonal vegetables for the best flavor and texture.
• Experiment with spices like cumin or smoked paprika for an extra kick.
• For a creamier texture, add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt before serving.
• Try adding black beans for added protein and heartiness.
• Serve with warm tortillas for a delightful, complete meal.

How to Serve Calabacitas Recipe

• Serve warm as a side dish to grilled chicken or fish.
• Top with crumbled feta or goat cheese for a creamy twist.
• Pair with fresh tortillas for a delightful taco night.
• Mix into a hearty grain bowl with quinoa or brown rice.
• Add a dollop of avocado crema for extra richness.
• Use as a filling for enchiladas or stuffed peppers.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime for a zesty finish.
• Enjoy cold as a refreshing salad with cherry tomatoes and corn.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To store leftovers properly:

• Allow the calabacitas to cool completely.
• Transfer to an airtight container.
• Refrigerate within two hours of cooking.
• Consume within 3-5 days for best quality.

Freezing

To freeze the dish while maintaining quality:

• Cool the calabacitas completely before freezing.
• Portion into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Label with the date and contents.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for optimal flavor.

Reheating

For the best texture and taste when reheating:

• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
• Add a splash of vegetable broth if it seems dry.
• Heat until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs