Vegetable Skillet Ole

Vegetable Skillet Ole Recipe - Vegan Food from Mexico

Region / culture: Mexico | Servings: 4 |

Vegan diet

Introduction

Vegetable Skillet Ole is a delicious and nutritious one-pan meal that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. Packed with vegetables, beans, and rice, this dish is full of flavor and texture.

History

This recipe is inspired by traditional Mexican cuisine, with a twist of adding more vegetables to make it a wholesome and satisfying meal. It is a great way to incorporate more plant-based ingredients into your diet.

Ingredients

1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 large carrots, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
0.5 tsp salt
1 lb (454 g) zucchini squash (about 3 medium), chopped
3 cup cooked rice
1 x 14.5 oz (411 g) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 x 15 to 16 oz (454 g) can black beans, drained and rinsed
0.25 cup chopped cilantro

How to prepare

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it is hot.
Add the onion, carrots, garlic, jalapeno, chili powder, cumin, and salt.
Cook and stir for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the onion begins to brown and the carrots are crisp-tender.
Add the zucchini, rice, tomatoes, and beans; simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender.
Remove from heat and stir in the cilantro. Serve immediately.

Variations

Add corn or bell peppers for extra color and sweetness.
Use quinoa or cauliflower rice instead of white rice for a lower-carb option.
Top with shredded cheese or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a creamy finish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to chop all the vegetables evenly to ensure even cooking.

- Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more or less jalapeno pepper.

- You can customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or protein sources.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Vegetable Skillet Ole with a side of avocado slices, sour cream, and a squeeze of lime juice for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

This recipe uses the sauté and simmer cooking techniques to ensure that all the vegetables are cooked through and the flavors are well combined.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to substitute any vegetables or beans based on your preferences or what you have on hand. You can also use different spices or herbs to customize the flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the vegetable mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply reheat and serve when ready to eat.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Vegetable Skillet Ole with fresh cilantro leaves or a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a side of Mexican rice, tortilla chips, or a simple green salad.

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

Calories per serving: 250

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 45g

Fats

Total Fat: 5g

Proteins

Protein: 10g

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and fiber.

Alergens

This recipe is free of common allergens such as dairy, nuts, and gluten.

Summary

Vegetable Skillet Ole is a well-balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Vegetable Skillet Ole is a versatile and flavorful dish that is perfect for a quick and easy meal. Packed with vegetables, beans, and rice, this recipe is a great way to enjoy a nutritious and satisfying dinner.

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I saw this recipe for Vegetable Skillet Ole. It was a hot summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy kitchen. Maria was a fantastic cook, and I always loved watching her work her magic with fresh ingredients and bold flavors.

On that particular day, Maria had a gleam in her eye as she pulled out a skillet and started chopping up an array of colorful vegetables. She explained to me that she had learned this recipe from her grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations. As she cooked, the enticing aroma of garlic, onions, and peppers filled the air, making my stomach growl in anticipation.

I watched intently as Maria added a splash of olive oil to the skillet and tossed in the vegetables, letting them sizzle and caramelize to perfection. She then sprinkled in a blend of Mexican spices, including cumin, chili powder, and paprika, which added a smoky depth to the dish. The colors and flavors melded together beautifully, creating a vibrant and enticing mixture that was both comforting and invigorating.

As the vegetables cooked, Maria shared with me the story behind the recipe. She explained that her grandmother had learned to make Vegetable Skillet Ole from a dear friend who had traveled to Mexico many years ago. The friend had brought back the recipe as a souvenir, and it had become a treasured staple in their family ever since.

Maria recounted how her grandmother had tweaked the original recipe over the years, adding her own special touch with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lime juice at the end. She had passed down the recipe to Maria, who had lovingly continued the tradition, making it for family gatherings and special occasions.

I could see the pride in Maria's eyes as she stirred the vegetables, the aroma of the dish filling the room with a sense of warmth and comfort. She explained that Vegetable Skillet Ole was not just a meal but a celebration of friendship, tradition, and the joy of sharing good food with loved ones.

Finally, Maria plated up the dish, garnishing it with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a dollop of creamy avocado. The colors popped against the dark skillet, creating a picture-perfect presentation that was almost too beautiful to eat. But as soon as I took my first bite, I knew that this dish was meant to be enjoyed, savored, and shared with others.

The flavors exploded on my tongue, the smoky spices mingling with the sweetness of the caramelized vegetables and the brightness of the lime juice. Each bite was a symphony of tastes and textures, a harmonious blend of savory and sweet that left me craving more.

As we sat down to eat, Maria regaled me with stories of her family and the many meals they had shared together over the years. She spoke of her grandmother's love of cooking and how she had passed down not just recipes but a legacy of love and tradition that lived on in every dish they made.

I savored every bite of Vegetable Skillet Ole, knowing that it was more than just a meal—it was a connection to the past, a celebration of friendship, and a reminder of the joy that comes from sharing good food with those we love. And as I finished my plate, I knew that this recipe would become a cherished part of my own culinary repertoire, a reminder of the magic that happens when we come together around the table to break bread and share stories.