Calabasitas

Swiss Calabasitas Recipe - A Delicious Fusion of Flavors

Region / culture: Switzerland | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 7 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Calabasitas is a traditional Mexican dish that features a delicious combination of zucchini, peppers, mushrooms, cheese, and avocado. This dish is bursting with flavor and is sure to become a favorite in your household.

History

Calabasitas has its roots in Mexican cuisine, where it is a popular dish enjoyed by many. The name "calabasitas" translates to "little squash" in Spanish, which is fitting given that zucchini is a key ingredient in this recipe.

Ingredients

2 green peppers, thinly sliced
4 small zucchini, thinly sliced
0.5 lb (227 g) fresh mushrooms, sliced
1 tbsp butter or margarine
0.25 tsp salt
1 cup shredded swiss cheese
4 green onions, finely chopped (including tops)
2 cups shredded swiss cheese
1 firm tomato, peeled and diced
1 tsp chili powder
2 ripe california avocados, peeled, pitted and diced

How to prepare

Combine peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, and butter in a 3 qt (2.84 liter) microwave-safe casserole dish. Place in the microwave oven and cook on High for 5 – 7 minutes, covered with wax paper. The vegetables should be lightly cooked but still crisp. Add salt to the vegetables and toss to mix well.
In a separate bowl, toss onions with 2 cups of Swiss cheese, tomato, chili powder, and California avocados. Add this mixture to the hot vegetables and toss to mix well.
Sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded Swiss cheese just before serving.
Serve Calabasitas as a first course warm salad, or if desired as an entree over rice, or as a taco filling.

Variations

Add cooked chicken or shrimp for an extra protein boost.
Substitute different types of cheese for a unique flavor profile.
Experiment with different vegetables such as corn or bell peppers for a twist on the classic recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the vegetables until they are lightly cooked but still crisp to maintain their texture and flavor.

- Tossing the onions with the cheese, tomato, chili powder, and avocado separately before adding them to the vegetables ensures that the flavors are evenly distributed.

- Sprinkling the shredded Swiss cheese on top just before serving adds a delicious finishing touch to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Calabasitas can be served as a first course warm salad, as an entree over rice, or as a taco filling for a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Microwaving the vegetables helps to cook them quickly while maintaining their crisp texture. Tossing the cheese mixture separately before adding it to the vegetables ensures that the flavors are evenly distributed.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your preferences by swapping out ingredients as needed. For example, you can use different types of cheese, add in extra vegetables, or adjust the seasonings to taste.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the vegetable mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve. Simply reheat and add the cheese mixture just before serving for a quick and easy meal option.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Calabasitas in a colorful serving dish garnished with fresh herbs or avocado slices for an eye-catching presentation that is sure to impress your guests.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Calabasitas with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal. A glass of chilled white wine or a refreshing margarita would also complement this dish nicely.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Calabasitas contains approximately 250 calories, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal option.

Carbohydrates

Calabasitas is a low-carb dish, making it a great option for those looking to reduce their carbohydrate intake.

Fats

The margarine and cheese in this recipe provide a good source of fats, which are essential for overall health and wellbeing.

Proteins

While this dish is not high in protein, the cheese does provide some protein to help keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Vitamins and minerals

Calabasitas is packed with vitamins and minerals from the vegetables, including vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and more.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy from the cheese, so it may not be suitable for those with dairy allergies.

Summary

Overall, Calabasitas is a nutritious and delicious dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Calabasitas is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is easy to prepare and sure to please your taste buds. With a delicious combination of vegetables, cheese, and avocado, this dish is a must-try for any fan of Mexican cuisine. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a happy one. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Maria in her cozy adobe home in New Mexico. As soon as I walked in, the aroma of roasted chiles and simmering tomatoes filled the air, making my mouth water.

Maria greeted me with a warm hug and a smile, her dark eyes sparkling with excitement. "I have a special dish to share with you today, mi amiga," she said as she led me into her kitchen. There, she had a large pot bubbling on the stove, filled with a colorful mix of zucchini, corn, tomatoes, and green chiles. The vibrant colors and fragrant spices made my heart sing.

Maria explained that this dish was called Calabasitas, a traditional Mexican recipe that she had learned from her grandmother. She shared with me the story of how her abuela used to make it for her family using fresh vegetables from her garden, and how it had become a beloved family favorite over the years.

As Maria stirred the pot, she guided me through the simple steps of preparing the dish – sautéing the vegetables in a pan with garlic and onions, adding in the spices, and letting it all simmer together until the flavors melded into a delicious harmony. The final touch was a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice, adding a burst of freshness to the dish.

I watched in awe as Maria cooked, her hands moving with grace and confidence, her love for her heritage shining through in every dish she created. I knew that I had to learn how to make Calabasitas for myself, to bring a taste of Mexico into my own kitchen and share it with my family.

After a few hours of cooking and chatting, Maria and I sat down to enjoy the fruits of our labor. The Calabasitas was a symphony of flavors – the sweetness of the corn, the earthiness of the zucchini, the heat of the chiles, all coming together in perfect harmony. It was a dish that spoke of tradition and love, a dish that brought back memories of warm summer days and family gatherings.

I thanked Maria for sharing the recipe with me, for opening up her home and her heart to me. She smiled and patted my hand, saying, "Cooking is more than just following a recipe, mi amiga. It's about sharing a part of yourself with others, about creating memories and traditions that will last a lifetime."

And so, armed with the knowledge and love that Maria had imparted to me, I set out to make Calabasitas for my own family. I gathered the freshest vegetables from the farmer's market, chopped the garlic and onions with care, and let the aromas of the spices fill my kitchen.

As the dish simmered on the stove, I thought of Maria and her abuela, of the generations of women who had passed down this recipe with love and pride. I knew that I was continuing a tradition that stretched back through time, a tradition that connected me to my roots and my heritage.

When I finally served the Calabasitas to my family, their faces lit up with delight. They savored each bite, savoring the flavors and the memories that came with it. And as we sat around the table, laughing and talking, I knew that I had created a new tradition – one that would be passed down through the generations, just like the recipe for Calabasitas had been passed down to me.