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A New Way to Cook Zucchini (Calabacitas)
Zuccinin Dish (savory) Known as Calabacitas Here
This is one thing that has remained constant in my life; No, not just zucchini but the extreme availability of zucchini when they are in season.
We had a joke back in the Midwest about getting rid of your over-abundance of zucchini by placing bags of them at your neighbor's front door, ringing the doorbell and then running away. (Well, we said like he!! but this is more of a family site, isn't it?)
My first run-in with Calabacitas was at a local restaurant where the veg that came with the Friday Night Special was Calabacitas. SO, you got them whether you wanted them or not. Well, they were immediately recognizable as zucchini; BUT THE TASTE! I could not put my finger on just what made these zucchini sing with flavor. Now I know what the added ingredient is BUT it is NOT an in-your-face-chile taste. It is delicious though.
CALABACITAS
Ingredients:
1 T. (or more) olive oil
1 med. onion sliced
2 C. zucchini, diced
2 C. Summer Squash, diced
Salt
1 NM Chile preferred or Poblano or Anaheim chile, seeded and diced Remember the amount of seeds left in will adjust the taste to hot, hotter, and hottest, your choice. In this house I remove all the seeds. And be sure to wear those throw-away dollar store type gloves when you chop the chile!! (Yeah you can use the little cans of chiles…but not as good OR fresh tasting…try the REAL thing the first time!!)
Salt
Cilantro
A bit of butter
Sauté the onion until transparent in a Dutch oven. Add the zucchini and the chile. You will need to add a bit of water. Gently stir and cook until soft.
Serve topped with chopped up cilantro and a bit of butter.
And as in all home cooking, some people add corn, and other ingredients that happen to be in season. I have added tomatoes but prefer it with just zucchini and summer squash.
Oh, did I tell you that the restaurant where I first had Calabacitas is owned by the Mayor? Well, I also get my hair cut by the former Mayor. Small town.
The Farmers' Market is this afternoon. Oh boy. WIll find something fun from there....will let you know!!
