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Best Easy Puerco con Calabacitas Recipe

Name: Best Easy Puerco con Calabacitas Recipe
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 320 g
Ingredients: boneless pork shoulder 1.5 lbs; Mexican squash (calabacita) or zucchini 3 pieces; fresh corn kernels 1.5 cups; Roma tomatoes 3 pieces; yellow onion 1 medium; garlic cloves 3 cloves; chicken broth 2 cups; olive oil 2 tbsp; kosher salt 1.5 tsp; ground black pepper 0.5 tsp; dried oregano 1 tsp; ground cumin 0.5 tsp; chopped fresh cilantro 0.25 cup

Pork cooked with tender Mexican squash, corn, and tomatoes in a light, flavorful broth. This balanced, protein-packed family dish celebrates fresh seasonal vegetables alongside savory meat.

Cook 60 min Difficulty NORMAL 305 kcal

#high protein #mediterranean #diabetic friendly

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Ingredients

Main ingredients

boneless pork shoulder 1.5 lbs
Mexican squash (calabacita) or zucchini 3 pieces
fresh corn kernels 1.5 cups
Roma tomatoes 3 pieces
yellow onion 1 medium
garlic cloves 3 cloves
chicken broth 2 cups

Seasonings/Sauce

olive oil 2 tbsp
kosher salt 1.5 tsp
ground black pepper 0.5 tsp
dried oregano 1 tsp
ground cumin 0.5 tsp
chopped fresh cilantro 0.25 cup

Nutrition summary

Carbohydrates 16 g 21%

Protein 27 g 36%

Fat 13 g 43%

Serving size 320g

Cooking steps

1

Cut pork shoulder into 1-inch cubes and season with salt, pepper, oregano, and cumin.
2

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Sear pork cubes in batches until browned on all sides (about 6 minutes per batch). Remove and set aside.
3

Reduce heat to medium. In the same pot, add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and sauté for 1 more minute.
4

Add chopped tomatoes to the pot. Cook, stirring frequently, until the tomatoes release juice and begin to break down, about 6 minutes.
5

Return the pork and any accumulated juices to the pot. Add chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, cover, and gently cook over low heat for 30 minutes.
6

Stir in diced Mexican squash and corn kernels. Simmer uncovered for an additional 15–20 minutes, until the vegetables are just tender and the flavors meld.
7

Taste and adjust salt as needed. Top with fresh chopped cilantro just before serving for fragrance and color.

Personalized Q&A

Q. What's the key ingredient in this Best Easy Puerco con Calabacitas Recipe?

The most defining ingredient is the boneless pork shoulder, which provides deep savoriness and richness to the stew. Calabacitas (Mexican squash or zucchini), corn, and tomatoes also play vital roles in delivering lightness, sweetness, and a fresh, balanced profile to the dish.

Q. How should I manage heat during cooking to achieve tender pork and bright vegetables?

First, brown the pork over medium-high heat to lock in flavor, then reduce to a gentle simmer after adding broth. This low, slow simmer ensures the pork becomes tender. Add squash and corn later and cook uncovered so vegetables retain some bite and vibrant color.

Q. What helps prevent mushy squash and overcooked pork in this stew?

Only add the squash and corn after the pork has simmered for a while, and cook just until the vegetables are tender-crisp. Avoid overcooking by checking the vegetables near the end and removing from heat once they're done.

Q. How many calories and how much protein, carbs, and fat are in each serving?

Each serving contains approximately 305 kcal, with 27g of protein (36% of calories), 16g of carbohydrates (21%), and 13g fat (43%). This makes it a high-protein, relatively balanced family dish.

Q. Is this dish suitable for a diabetic-friendly or Mediterranean-style meal plan?

Yes—each serving provides moderate carbohydrates (16g) and is loaded with fresh vegetables, lean pork, and olive oil while steering clear of high-glycemic ingredients. Its nutritional profile and ingredient selection also align with Mediterranean-inspired meal patterns.

Best Easy Puerco con Calabacitas Recipe

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