Calabasitas is a delightful and vibrant Mexican dish that brings together the fresh flavors of summer vegetables. This recipe is perfect for a light lunch or a side dish, offering a healthy and colorful addition to your meal. The combination of zucchini, corn, and tomatoes creates a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that will leave you craving more.
Some ingredients in this recipe might not be staples in every kitchen. Queso fresco, a crumbly Mexican cheese, might be unfamiliar to some, but it adds a wonderful creamy texture if you choose to include it. Cilantro is another ingredient that might not be in everyone's pantry, but its fresh, citrusy flavor is essential to the dish. Make sure to check the produce and dairy sections of your supermarket for these items.

Ingredients for Calabasitas Recipe
Olive oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables, it adds a rich flavor and helps in cooking them evenly.
Onion: Provides a sweet and savory base for the dish, enhancing the overall flavor.
Garlic: Adds a pungent and aromatic element that complements the other ingredients.
Zucchini: The star vegetable of the dish, offering a mild and slightly sweet taste with a tender texture.
Corn: Adds a sweet and juicy crunch, balancing the flavors of the dish.
Tomatoes: Brings acidity and a slight sweetness, helping to create a well-rounded flavor profile.
Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients.
Black pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth to the dish.
Ground cumin: Provides a warm, earthy flavor that complements the vegetables.
Chili powder: Adds a bit of heat and a smoky flavor, enhancing the overall taste.
Cilantro: Adds a fresh, citrusy note that brightens up the dish.
Queso fresco: Optional, but it adds a creamy and slightly tangy element if used.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When cooking the onion until translucent, make sure to stir it frequently to avoid any browning. This ensures that the onion releases its natural sweetness and blends seamlessly with the other ingredients.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar smoke point and neutral flavor, making it a good alternative for sautéing.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder and slightly sweeter flavor, which can complement the dish well.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: If fresh garlic is unavailable, garlic powder can provide a similar flavor, though it is less pungent.
zucchinis - Substitute with yellow squash: Yellow squash has a similar texture and mild flavor, making it a suitable replacement.
corn kernels - Substitute with peas: Peas can add a similar sweetness and texture to the dish if corn is not available.
diced tomatoes - Substitute with tomato sauce: Tomato sauce can provide the necessary acidity and moisture, though it will be smoother in texture.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a similar level of saltiness along with a bit of umami flavor.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a similar heat level but a slightly different flavor profile, which can still work well in the dish.
ground cumin - Substitute with ground coriander: Ground coriander has a citrusy and slightly sweet flavor that can complement the other spices in the recipe.
chili powder - Substitute with paprika: Paprika can provide a similar color and a mild heat, though it is less spicy than chili powder.
cilantro - Substitute with parsley: Parsley can add a fresh, herbaceous note, though it lacks the distinctive flavor of cilantro.
queso fresco - Substitute with feta cheese: Feta cheese has a similar crumbly texture and tangy flavor, making it a good alternative.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dish
How to Store / Freeze This Dish
- Allow the calabasitas to cool to room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the dish soggy.
- Transfer the cooled calabasitas to an airtight container. If you plan to consume it within a few days, store it in the refrigerator.
- For longer storage, place the calabasitas in a freezer-safe container or a resealable freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the container or bag with the date to keep track of its freshness.
- When ready to enjoy, thaw the calabasitas in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
- Reheat the calabasitas in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also use a microwave, heating in short intervals and stirring in between to ensure even heating.
- If the calabasitas appears too watery after reheating, cook it for a few extra minutes to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and queso fresco just before serving to refresh the flavors.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Stovetop Method:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat.
- Add a splash of olive oil or a bit of water to prevent sticking.
- Add the leftover calabasitas and stir occasionally.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes until heated through.
Microwave Method:
- Place the calabasitas in a microwave-safe dish.
- Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap with a small vent.
- Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Continue heating in 30-second intervals until fully warmed.
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Transfer the calabasitas to an oven-safe dish.
- Cover with aluminum foil to retain moisture.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
Steaming Method:
- Set up a steamer basket over boiling water.
- Place the calabasitas in the basket.
- Cover and steam for about 5-7 minutes, or until hot.
Sous Vide Method:
- Place the calabasitas in a vacuum-sealed bag.
- Set your sous vide machine to 165°F (74°C).
- Submerge the bag in the water bath for about 30 minutes.
- Remove and serve immediately.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Large skillet: A broad, flat-bottomed pan used for cooking the vegetables evenly over medium heat.
Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the ingredients without scratching the skillet.
Chef's knife: Essential for chopping the onion, mincing the garlic, and dicing the zucchinis and tomatoes.
Cutting board: Provides a safe and clean surface for chopping and dicing the vegetables.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the olive oil, salt, black pepper, ground cumin, and chili powder accurately.
Measuring cup: Useful for measuring the corn kernels and diced tomatoes.
Mixing bowl: Handy for holding the chopped cilantro and crumbled queso fresco before adding them to the dish.
Garlic press: Optional tool for mincing garlic quickly and efficiently.
Can opener: Necessary if using canned diced tomatoes.
Serving spoon: Used to serve the finished dish onto plates or bowls.
How to Save Time on Making This Dish
Prep ingredients in advance: Chop the onion, garlic, and zucchinis ahead of time to streamline the cooking process.
Use canned vegetables: Opt for canned diced tomatoes and corn kernels to save on prep time.
Cook in batches: If making a larger quantity, cook the vegetables in batches to ensure even cooking.
Pre-measure spices: Measure out the salt, black pepper, ground cumin, and chili powder before you start cooking.
Use a food processor: Speed up chopping by using a food processor for the onion and garlic.

Calabasitas Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium zucchinis, diced
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- ½ cup crumbled queso fresco (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add diced zucchinis, corn kernels, and diced tomatoes. Cook for 10-15 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Season with salt, black pepper, ground cumin, and chili powder. Stir well to combine.
- Remove from heat and stir in chopped cilantro.
- Serve warm, topped with crumbled queso fresco if desired.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts for This Recipe
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