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Best Easy Arroz con Calabacitas Recipe

Name: Best Easy Arroz con Calabacitas Recipe
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 210 g
Ingredients: long grain white rice 1 cup; Mexican squash (calabacitas), diced 2 cups; fresh corn kernels 1 cup; roma tomato, diced 1 cup; yellow onion, finely chopped 0.5 cup; olive oil 2 tbsp; garlic, minced 2 cloves; kosher salt 0.75 tsp; ground cumin 0.5 tsp; black pepper 0.25 tsp; vegetable broth 2 cups

Rice simmered with tender Mexican squash, corn, and tomatoes. This vegetarian, healthy family side dish celebrates fresh seasonal vegetables alongside perfectly seasoned rice.

Cook 40 min Difficulty EASY 210 kcal

#vegetarian #mediterranean #DASH #diabetic friendly

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Ingredients

Main ingredients

long grain white rice 1 cup
Mexican squash (calabacitas), diced 2 cups
fresh corn kernels 1 cup
roma tomato, diced 1 cup
yellow onion, finely chopped 0.5 cup

Seasonings/Sauce

olive oil 2 tbsp
garlic, minced 2 cloves
kosher salt 0.75 tsp
ground cumin 0.5 tsp
black pepper 0.25 tsp
vegetable broth 2 cups

Nutrition summary

Carbohydrates 39 g 74%

Protein 5 g 9%

Fat 4 g 17%

Serving size 210g

Cooking steps

1

Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
2

Stir in minced garlic and rice. Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently, so the rice is lightly toasted and fragrant—do not let it brown.
3

Add diced Mexican squash, corn kernels, and tomato. Season with cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to evenly coat vegetables and rice.
4

Pour in the vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and cook for 18 minutes without removing the lid.
5

Turn off the heat and let the pan rest, covered, for 5 minutes for steam absorption. Fluff with a fork before serving to preserve texture and prevent mushiness.

Personalized Q&A

Q. What ingredient defines the unique flavor in this Arroz con Calabacitas recipe?

The combination of Mexican squash (calabacitas) and fresh corn brings a delicate sweetness and tender texture that sets this dish apart. Tomatoes and cumin further enhance the flavors while olive oil and garlic add aromatic depth, making these ingredients essential to the recipe's identity.

Q. How can I prevent the rice from becoming mushy when making this dish?

To achieve perfectly cooked grains, gently toast the rice before simmering, and avoid lifting the lid during cooking. Letting the pan rest covered for 5 minutes after turning off the heat helps the rice finish steaming and stay fluffy, minimizing the risk of sticky or soggy rice.

Q. What's the best way to control heat and avoid burning during cooking?

Sauté the onions and rice over medium heat, not high, and stir frequently. Once you add the broth, ensure the pan is only at a gentle simmer before lowering the heat to low. This prevents scorching at the bottom and ensures even, thorough cooking of both rice and vegetables.

Q. Is Arroz con Calabacitas a healthy choice? What is the main nutrition breakdown?

Yes, this recipe is a healthy vegetarian option: per serving, it provides 210 kcal, approximately 39g carbohydrates (74% of calories), 5g protein (9%), and only 4g fat (17%), making it a balanced side packed with fresh vegetables and lower in fat.

Best Easy Arroz con Calabacitas Recipe

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