We don’t talk about Mexican side dishes often enough. Calabacitas or Mexican Style Courgette is exactly that. Whenever we think of homemade Mexican food, this is the kind of dish that comes to mind. Beautifully simple and delicious. Most families have their own recipe and many variations exist. This version uses White Mexican Corn instead of yellow corn and even when we love both styles, the consistency and flavor that the white corn adds to the dish are quite lovely.
Mexican Style Courgette - Calabacitas
-1 large courgette or 2 small ones, diced
-2 tomatoes, diced
-⅓ white onion, diced
-1 garlic clove, crushed
-1 jalapeno, diced *optional
-1 220g tin White Mexican Corn, rinsed and drained
-½ cup Poblano Peppers, no seeds, drained, diced
-1 cup halloumi cheese, cubed *see notes below for substitutions
-oregano, to taste
-salt and pepper, to taste
-⅓ cup creme fraiche, or more to taste
-½ tbsp vegetable oil or butter
1 In a pan on medium-high heat, add the oil or butter. Add the onions and cook for about three minutes. Add the garlic and stir for a few seconds. Add the jalapeno and tomatoes, stir and cook for five minutes.
2 Once the tomatoes start to soften add the courgette, the corn, oregano, salt, and pepper to taste. Bring down the heat and cover the pan. Cook for ten minutes.
3 Add the cheese cubes and poblano peppers, stir and cook for a further five minutes with the lid back on.
4 Once the courgette is done to your taste, add the creme fraiche and stir until evenly incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Enjoy while hot.
Notes
- This is one of our most traditional homemade dishes in Mexican cuisine. Most families make a version of calabacitas often. It can be used as a light main dish or as a lovely side dish.
- We find halloumi cheese works great here but you can also substitute it for cheddar or mozzarella. Add it at the end so it melts over the dish once is done if that is the case.
- You can make this dish vegan by using vegetable oil instead of butter and plant-based cream or cheese.
- Traditionally, yellow corn is used instead of white corn but we love this version too.
#mexicanfood #mexicanflavours #foodie #madeinmexico #mexicantwist #mexicanfoodporn #easyandtasty #mexicanfoodlover #freshfood #foodphotography #eatfreshfood #beautifulfood #cocinamexicana #mexicanproducts #mexicaningredients #mexicandishes #onlinegrocerieslondon #mexicanproductsuk #wholesomemeals #homemade#whitemexicancorn
