Best Easy Calabacitas con Elote Recipe

Mexican squash and sweet corn simmered with tomatoes and mild chiles in a simple, wholesome preparation. A vegetarian, healthy side dish that celebrates fresh seasonal produce for the whole family.

Cook 30 min Difficulty EASY 110 kcal
#vegetarian #mediterranean #diabetic friendly #low carb
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • zucchini 3 pieces
  • yellow squash 1 piece
  • fresh corn kernels 1.5 cups
  • roma tomato 2 pieces
  • white or yellow onion 0.5 cup
  • poblano pepper 1 piece
Seasonings/Sauce
  • olive oil 1 tbsp
  • garlic 2 cloves
  • kosher salt 0.75 tsp
  • black pepper 0.25 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 19 g 68%
Protein 4 g 15%
Fat 2.5 g 17%
Serving size 180g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and poblano pepper; sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened but not browned.

  2. 2

    Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly to avoid burning.

  3. 3

    Stir in corn kernels, diced zucchini, and yellow squash. Increase heat to medium-high and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables begin to soften but remain crisp.

  4. 4

    Add tomatoes, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring once or twice, until squash is tender and tomatoes have released their juice.

  5. 5

    Uncover and cook for 2 more minutes over medium heat to let excess moisture evaporate, ensuring the vegetables are tender but not mushy. Serve hot as a side dish.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
The foundational ingredients that define Calabacitas con Elote are zucchini (calabacitas), yellow squash, and sweet corn. These vegetables create its signature fresh flavor, with tomatoes and mild poblano pepper providing additional depth typical of traditional Mexican preparations.
Q. What is the most important cooking technique for great Calabacitas con Elote?
Gently sautéing the onion and poblano before adding the squash and corn, along with careful heat management when simmering with tomatoes, helps the vegetables retain their color and texture without turning mushy.
Q. How can I avoid soggy or overcooked squash in this dish?
To retain the best texture, increase heat slightly after adding squash and corn for a quick sauté, and limit covered simmering to just until tender—then cook uncovered briefly at the end to release excess water. This prevents overcooking and keeps the dish vibrant.
Q. How many calories and carbs does each serving provide?
Each serving (180g) contains about 110 kcal and 19g of carbohydrates, making Calabacitas con Elote a light and balanced side great for most dietary needs.
Q. Is this recipe vegetarian and good for low-carb or Mediterranean diets?
Yes, all listed ingredients are plant-based, without any meat or seafood, qualifying it as vegetarian. With moderate carbohydrates, low saturated fat, and a focus on fresh vegetables and olive oil, it’s also suitable for Mediterranean, diabetic-friendly, and low-carb meal plans.
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