Welcome to the ultimate guide to cooking a delicious and comforting calabacitas cheese soup. This classic Mexican dish is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, featuring fresh zucchini, corn, and cheese. Whether you're a seasoned chef or just starting out, this article will provide you with all the information you need to create a delectable soup that will impress your family and friends.
Here are our top 6 tried and tested recipes!
CALABACITAS SOUP
It's easy to turn Calabacitas into a lip-smacking soup! Try to use some stock that you trust as it can make a huge difference -- I used homemade veggie stock for this batch.
Provided by Mexican Please
Categories Soup
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Give the tomatoes a good rinse and roast them in the oven at 400F for 20 minutes or so. I usually de-stem them knowing that any juices leftover in the roasting pan will go in the blender.
- Saute a roughly chopped onion and 3 whole, peeled garlic cloves in a glug of oil over medium heat. When the onion starts to turn brown (approx. 6-8 minutes) add the mixture to a blender or food processor along with the roasted tomatoes and 1/4 or 1/2 of the jalapeno. Combine well and taste for heat, adding more jalapeno for more heat. I like this dish best with only mild heat so I used only 1/2 of the jalapeno.
- Finely chop 1/2 onion and get it cooking in some oil over medium heat.
- As the onion cooks you can prep the zucchini. Give the zucchinis a good rinse and cut them up into 1/4" sized pieces -- be sure to cut off the ends and discard.
- When the onion starts to brown add two minced garlic cloves and cook for 30-60 seconds. Add the chopped zucchini to the onion-garlic mixture in the pan, along with 1 teaspoon salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and 2 teaspoons Mexican oregano. Stir well and let it saute briefly.
- Add the tomato mixture from the blender to the pan. I usually let this cook for a couple minutes, then adding in 5 cups of stock along with 2 cups of corn. Note: I used a single can of corn, drained and rinsed, but if using fresh corn you can add it in when you add the zucchini.
- Bring this up to a simmer and take a final taste for seasoning. I added another generous pinch of salt to this batch, so that is close to 1.5 teaspoons total for this batch, but keep in mind this will vary based on which stock you're using.
- Serve immediately with your choice of fixings. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 103 kcal, Carbohydrate 22 g, Protein 4 g, Fat 1 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Sodium 1184 mg, Fiber 4 g, Sugar 9 g, ServingSize 1 serving
CALABACITAS CHEESE SOUP
I've also prepared this in my crock pot, add everything except the Velveeta and cilantro. Cook on low for 4-5 hours adding the Velveeta and cilantro during the last 30 minutes so it has a chance to melt. You can also substitute a can of Rotel tomatoes for the stewed tomatoes if you prefer it spicy.
Provided by Donna H
Categories Chowders
Time 35m
Yield 8-10 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Saute onion and garlic in 1 tablespoon olive oil.
- Add oregano, chicken broth and tomatoes.
- Cover and bring to a boil.
- Stir in squash, corn and green chilies.
- Return to boil and simmer till squash is tender.
- Stir in Velveeta, salt, pepper and cilantro.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 238.8, Fat 12.7, SaturatedFat 6.6, Cholesterol 33.6, Sodium 1331.6, Carbohydrate 21.6, Fiber 2.5, Sugar 9.2, Protein 12.5
CALABAZA SOUP: SOPA DE CALABAZA
Provided by Food Network
Time 1h20m
Yield 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Drizzle a little bit of olive oil over the calabaza. Season with salt and pepper, and roast in the oven until tender, about 1/2 hour.
- In a large stockpot, heat 1/4 cup olive oil and saute onions, green pepper, red pepper, and garlic. Cook for about 8 minutes or until caramelized. Add the tomatoes and cook for 3 more minutes.
- Deglaze with white wine. Add chicken stock and heavy cream and the roasted calabaza. Add the thyme. Bring to a boil. Simmer about 20 minutes. Puree all the ingredients. Strain the soup and adjust the seasonings. Garnish with vanilla-flavored whipped cream, if desired.
CALABACITAS
Zucchini, bell pepper, onion, and corn are lightly pan-fried in olive oil and butter and topped with Monterey Jack cheese for a delightful side dish in this recipe.
Provided by A. P. Newman
Categories Side Dish Vegetables Squash Zucchini
Time 40m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Heat the oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic, bell pepper, onion, and zucchini, and cook until the zucchini begins to soften, about 5 minutes. Stir in the salt, pepper, half and half, and corn. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer 5 minutes. Remove from heat and sprinkle Monterey Jack cheese over top. Replace the cover on the skillet and allow to sit until the cheese melts, 2 to 3 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 147.9 calories, Carbohydrate 9.6 g, Cholesterol 18.4 mg, Fat 11.1 g, Fiber 1.5 g, Protein 4.3 g, SaturatedFat 4.7 g, Sodium 172.3 mg, Sugar 2.4 g
CALABACITAS CON QUESO - ZUCCHINI WITH CHEESE
Zucchini, corn, tomatoes, bell peppers, and onions smothered in melted cheese! Yumm, great side dish, for any meal I serve with Mexican food, and an old family favorite.
Provided by Jyn
Categories Side Dish Vegetables Squash Zucchini
Time 35m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- In a saucepan with a lid, combine zucchini, corn, onion, green pepper, tomato, and vegetable oil. Cover, and cook over medium heat until tender.
- Gently stir in the sugar; add cheese on top, but do not stir. Cover, and continue cooking until cheese is melted. Stir, and add remaining cheese; cover, and continue cooking until melted. Serve warm.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 539.6 calories, Carbohydrate 22.8 g, Cholesterol 101 mg, Fat 37.6 g, Fiber 3.5 g, Protein 31.6 g, SaturatedFat 22.2 g, Sodium 834.1 mg, Sugar 7.9 g
CREAM OF ZUCCHINI SOUP (CREMA DE CALABACITAS)
Posted for the Zaar World Tour-Mexico. From "Mexican Cookery" cookbook. This recipe is a tasty way to use up an over abundance of zucchini from the garden.
Provided by Bayhill
Categories Vegetable
Time 1h10m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Wash zucchini. Cut off stem ends, then cut into large pieces. Place in a saucepan. Add water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil. Cover and cook until tender, about 20 minutes. Cool zucchini in cooking liquid.
- Place zucchini, 1 cup cooking liquid and 2 Tablespoons cilantro in a blender; process until pureed.
- Heat butter in a medium saucepan. Add onion. Cook until tender but not browned. Stir in flour. Cook 1 minute. Add pureed zucchini mixture, evaporated milk and chicken broth. Stir to blend. Season with salt if needed. Stir over medium heat until soup comes to a boil.
- Serve at once or chill and serve cold. Garnish each serving with a few whole cilantro leaves.
Tips and Conclusion
Calabacitas Cheese Soup is a delightful and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a comforting meal or a refreshing snack. Here are some tips to ensure a successful culinary experience: - Choose Fresh Vegetables: Selecting fresh and high-quality vegetables is crucial for the best flavor and texture. Look for vibrant green zucchini, tender yellow squash, and sweet corn. Choose ripe tomatoes for a rich, red color and a burst of flavor. - Prepare Ingredients Properly: Before cooking, dice the vegetables into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. If using frozen corn, thaw it before adding it to the soup to prevent diluting the flavor. Shred the cheese finely to ensure it melts smoothly into the soup. - Use a Good Quality Broth: The broth is the foundation of the soup, so choosing a flavorful one is essential. Homemade broth is always the best option, but if using store-bought, look for low-sodium varieties to control the saltiness of the soup. - Season Generously: Don't be shy with the seasonings! Adding a variety of herbs and spices, such as cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder, will elevate the flavor of the soup. Freshly ground black pepper adds a touch of warmth and depth. - Cook until Vegetables are Tender: The key to a perfect Calabacitas Cheese Soup is tender vegetables. Simmer the soup gently until the zucchini, squash, and corn are soft but still retain a slight bite. Overcooking can result in mushy vegetables. - Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Before serving, garnish the soup with fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, or chives. This adds a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor, making the soup even more inviting. - Serve with Accompaniments: Calabacitas Cheese Soup is delicious on its own, but serving it with accompaniments can enhance the overall experience. Consider offering crusty bread, tortilla chips, or a refreshing salad to complement the soup. In conclusion, Calabacitas Cheese Soup is a delicious and versatile dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, it's a great recipe for home cooks of all skill levels. By following these tips, you can create a flavorful and satisfying soup that will be enjoyed by all. Whether served as a main course or a delightful appetizer, Calabacitas Cheese Soup is sure to impress.
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