Calabacitas (Mexican squash stir-fry)
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Calabacitas is a traditional Mexican stir-fry or sautéed dish centered around tender zucchini or other summer squash, often cooked with corn, tomatoes, onions, and peppers. It's a staple home-cooked meal in many regions of Mexico and the American Southwest, celebrating fresh, seasonal produce. The name itself means 'little squash' in Spanish.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is generally low in calories (around 100-150 per serving) and carbohydrates, while providing a good source of fiber, vitamin C, and potassium from the vegetables. Its protein and fat content are typically low unless prepared with added cheese, cream, or meat.
💡 What's interesting
Calabacitas is a perfect example of the 'milpa' agricultural system, a traditional Mesoamerican method of growing corn, beans, and squash together, making it a nutritionally complementary and culturally significant dish.