Corn with Chayote Recipe - Vegetarian Dish from Panama

Corn with Chayote

Corn with Chayote Recipe - Vegetarian Dish from Panama
Region / culture: Panama | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4 | Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Corn with Chayote
Corn with Chayote

Corn with chayote is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines the sweetness of corn with the mild flavor of chayote. This recipe is easy to make and perfect for a family meal or a special occasion.

History

Corn with chayote is a traditional dish in many Latin American countries, where both corn and chayote are staple ingredients in the cuisine. This dish has been enjoyed for generations and is a popular side dish or main course in many households.

Ingredients

How to prepare

  1. Strip the corn kernels from the cobs and chop the chayote into small pieces.
  2. Sauté them together in margarine, stirring constantly.
  3. Add the milk, salt, and sugar. Cover and let it simmer until soft.

Variations

  • Add diced bell peppers or onions for extra flavor.
  • Use coconut milk instead of regular milk for a tropical twist.
  • Top with crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese for a creamy finish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use tender chayotes for this recipe, as they will be easier to chop and cook.

- Stir the corn and chayote constantly while sautéing to prevent burning.

- Adjust the amount of sugar to taste, depending on how sweet you like your corn dish.

Serving Suggestions

Corn with chayote can be served as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish, or as a main course with rice and beans. It pairs well with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables.

Cooking Techniques

Sautéing the corn and chayote in margarine helps to bring out their natural flavors and creates a delicious caramelized finish. Be sure to stir constantly to prevent burning.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can't find chayote, you can substitute zucchini or yellow squash for a similar texture and flavor. You can also use butter instead of margarine for a richer taste.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the corn and chayote mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to serve. Simply reheat on the stovetop and add the milk, salt, and sugar before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve corn with chayote in a colorful bowl or on a decorative platter for a beautiful presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika for an extra pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Corn with chayote pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, or vegetarian dishes. It also goes well with rice, quinoa, or pasta for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

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

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of corn with chayote contains approximately 200 calories, making it a moderate-calorie dish that can fit into a balanced diet.

Carbohydrates

Corn with chayote is a high-carbohydrate dish, with the main sources of carbs coming from the corn and chayote. This dish is a good source of energy and can be a satisfying addition to a meal.

Fats

The margarine used in this recipe adds a small amount of fat to the dish. While fats are important for flavor and satiety, it's best to enjoy this dish in moderation if you are watching your fat intake.

Proteins

Corn with chayote is a low-protein dish, with the main sources of protein coming from the milk and margarine. To increase the protein content, you can add cooked chicken or beans to the dish.

Vitamins and minerals

Chayote is a good source of vitamins C and K, as well as folate and fiber. Corn is rich in vitamins A and B, as well as minerals like magnesium and potassium. This dish is a nutritious way to enjoy these vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (milk) and margarine, which may be allergens for some individuals. Be sure to check for any allergies before serving this dish.

Summary

Corn with chayote is a nutritious and delicious dish that is high in carbohydrates and vitamins. It is a moderate-calorie dish that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Corn with chayote is a delicious and nutritious dish that is easy to make and perfect for a family meal or special occasion. With its combination of sweet corn, mild chayote, and creamy milk, this dish is sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Corn with Chayote. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Rosa in her tiny village in Mexico. We spent the day exploring the local market, where vendors were selling a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. As we wandered through the stalls, I noticed a peculiar-looking vegetable that I had never seen before. It was pale green, with a bumpy texture, and Rosa told me it was called chayote.

Intrigued, I asked Rosa how she liked to prepare chayote, and she shared with me a simple recipe for Corn with Chayote that has been passed down through generations in her family. She explained that chayote is a versatile vegetable that can be used in a variety of dishes, and that it pairs perfectly with sweet corn. I was eager to learn more, so Rosa invited me back to her home to cook together.

As we gathered the ingredients for the dish, I listened intently to Rosa's instructions. She showed me how to peel and dice the chayote, and how to remove the tough core from the center. She also taught me how to cut the corn kernels off the cob, and how to sauté them with a bit of onion and garlic until they were tender.

Once the vegetables were cooked, Rosa added a splash of chicken broth and a sprinkle of salt and pepper to enhance the flavors. The dish simmered on the stove for a few minutes, allowing the ingredients to meld together and create a delicious aroma that filled the kitchen.

Finally, Rosa spooned the Corn with Chayote into a serving dish and garnished it with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. She handed me a spoon and urged me to try a bite. The flavors exploded in my mouth – the sweet corn paired perfectly with the mild, slightly nutty flavor of the chayote. It was a simple yet satisfying dish that I knew I had to learn how to make myself.

After I returned home from my visit with Rosa, I couldn't stop thinking about the Corn with Chayote recipe. I was determined to recreate the dish in my own kitchen and share it with my family. I purchased a chayote from the local market and gathered the rest of the ingredients I needed.

As I prepared the dish, I followed Rosa's instructions carefully, recalling the way she diced the chayote and sautéed the corn until it was tender. I added a bit of chicken broth and seasoned the dish with salt and pepper, just as she had shown me. The aroma of the cooking vegetables filled my kitchen, bringing back memories of my time in Mexico with Rosa.

When the dish was finally ready, I spooned it into a serving bowl and garnished it with fresh cilantro. I couldn't wait to share it with my family and see their reaction. As they took their first bites, their faces lit up with delight. They couldn't believe how flavorful and satisfying the Corn with Chayote was, and they begged me to make it again soon.

From that day on, Corn with Chayote became a staple in our family's meal rotation. I loved the way the dish brought back memories of my time in Mexico with Rosa, and how it connected me to a new and exciting cuisine. I shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, who all raved about its delicious flavors and simplicity.

As the years went by, I continued to make Corn with Chayote regularly, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my family's tastes. Each time I cooked the dish, I was reminded of the special bond I shared with Rosa and the joy of discovering new recipes and flavors from around the world.

Now, as I pass down the recipe for Corn with Chayote to my grandchildren, I hope they will cherish it as much as I do. I hope it will inspire them to explore new cuisines and flavors, and to share the joy of cooking with their loved ones. And most of all, I hope it will remind them of the special moments and connections that food can create – just as it has for me.

Categories

| Chayote Recipes | Corn Recipes | Panamanian Recipes | Panamanian Vegetarian |

Recipes with the same ingredients