Chayotes Maria
Chayotes Maria Recipe from Honduras | Ingredients: flour, milk, sour cream, parsley, pepper, salt
Introduction
Chayotes Maria is a delicious and creamy dish made with chayotes, a type of squash that is popular in Latin American cuisine. This recipe combines tender chayotes with a rich and flavorful sauce, making it a perfect side dish for any meal.
History
Chayotes Maria is a traditional dish that has been enjoyed for generations in Latin American households. The recipe has been passed down through families, with each cook adding their own unique twist to make it their own.
Ingredients
How to prepare
- In a large saucepan, bring 4 qt (3.78 liters) of salted water to a boil. Add the chayotes, cover, and cook until they are tender when pierced with a skewer, about 30 minutes.
- While the chayotes are cooking, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and 0.5 cup of skim milk until smooth. In a large non-aluminum saucepan, stir together the remaining skim milk and the evaporated skim milk. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Very gradually whisk in the flour mixture. Stir until the sauce boils and thickens. Reduce the heat to very low and cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in the sour cream, parsley, and scallions and season to taste with salt (optional) and plenty of pepper.
- Drain the chayotes and cut into 0.25-inch thick slices. Put the sliced chayotes in a serving bowl, pour the sauce over, and serve immediately.
- Serve with roast pork loin, carrots, and potatoes.
Variations
- Add cooked chicken or shrimp to the sauce for a protein-packed version of the dish.
- Stir in some grated cheese for a cheesy twist on the classic recipe.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to cook the chayotes until they are tender but still slightly firm, as they will continue to cook in the sauce.
- Gradually whisking in the flour mixture to the milk will help prevent lumps from forming in the sauce.
- Season the sauce generously with pepper to enhance the flavors of the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Chayotes Maria can be served as a side dish with roast pork loin, carrots, and potatoes. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a light and flavorful meal.
Cooking Techniques
The key to making Chayotes Maria is to cook the chayotes until they are tender but still slightly firm, and to gradually whisk in the flour mixture to the milk to create a smooth and creamy sauce.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don't have chayotes, you can substitute zucchini or yellow squash in this recipe. You can also use full-fat milk and sour cream if you prefer a richer sauce.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and pour it over the cooked chayotes.
Presentation Ideas
Garnish the dish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or scallions for a pop of color and freshness.
Pairing Recommendations
Chayotes Maria pairs well with a variety of main dishes, such as grilled chicken, fish, or beef. It also goes well with rice or quinoa on the side.
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.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of Chayotes Maria contains approximately 150 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of Chayotes Maria contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of Chayotes Maria contains approximately 3 grams of fats.
Proteins
Each serving of Chayotes Maria contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.
Vitamins and minerals
Chayotes are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate. They also contain minerals such as potassium and magnesium.
Alergens
This recipe contains dairy (skim milk, evaporated skim milk, sour cream) and wheat (flour), which may be allergens for some individuals.
Summary
Chayotes Maria is a nutritious dish that is low in calories and fat, but high in vitamins and minerals.
Summary
Chayotes Maria is a delicious and nutritious dish that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. With its creamy sauce and tender chayotes, it is sure to become a favorite in your household.
How did I get this recipe?
The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately drawn to it. It was a warm summer day and I was visiting my friend Maria, who was known for her incredible culinary skills. As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I was hit with the most amazing aroma. Maria was busy chopping up chayotes, a vegetable I had never seen before.
"What are you making?" I asked, curious about the unfamiliar ingredient.
"Chayotes Maria," she replied with a smile. "It's a family recipe that has been passed down for generations."
I watched as Maria expertly prepared the chayotes, adding in a variety of herbs and spices that filled the air with a tantalizing scent. As she cooked, she shared stories of her childhood and the memories associated with this dish. I could see the passion and love she put into every step of the process, and I knew I had to learn how to make it myself.
After enjoying a delicious meal of Chayotes Maria, I asked Maria if she would be willing to teach me her recipe. She was thrilled at the idea of passing it down to another generation and eagerly agreed to show me the ropes.
Over the next few months, I spent countless hours in Maria's kitchen, learning the ins and outs of making Chayotes Maria. She taught me the importance of using fresh ingredients and how to balance the flavors to create the perfect dish. I was amazed at the amount of detail and care that went into each step, from selecting the best chayotes to simmering the sauce to just the right consistency.
As I practiced and honed my skills, Maria shared more stories with me about her family and the traditions that surrounded this recipe. I felt honored to be entrusted with such a treasured piece of her heritage and was determined to do it justice.
Finally, after months of practice, Maria deemed me ready to make Chayotes Maria on my own. I was nervous but excited as I gathered the ingredients and set to work in my own kitchen. As I chopped, sautéed, and stirred, I could almost hear Maria's voice guiding me through each step.
When the dish was finally ready, I took a deep breath and took a bite. The flavors exploded in my mouth, transporting me back to Maria's kitchen and all the memories we had shared. I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment knowing that I had mastered the recipe and could now pass it down to my own loved ones.
Since that day, Chayotes Maria has become a staple in my family's meals. Each time I make it, I think of Maria and the bond we share through this delicious dish. I am grateful for her guidance and the stories she shared with me, and I hope to continue the tradition for years to come.
In conclusion, this recipe holds a special place in my heart as a reminder of the power of food to connect us to our past and bring us closer to those we love. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from Maria and carry on her legacy through the art of cooking.
Categories
| Honduran Recipes | Honduran Snacks | Pork Recipes | Potato Recipes |