Calabacitas Rellenas
Calabacitas Rellenas is a traditional Mexican dish featuring hollowed-out zucchini or other summer squash, typically stuffed with a savory mixture of ground meat, corn, tomatoes, onions, and spices. It's a beloved home-style meal, often baked until tender and topped with melted cheese. The dish showcases the region's love for fresh, garden vegetables and hearty, comforting flavors.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is generally moderate in carbohydrates from the squash and corn, with a good amount of protein from the meat and cheese filling. It's a good source of fiber, vitamin C, and potassium, and a typical serving contains roughly 250-350 calories, depending on the specific ingredients and portion size.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Protein | 8 g |
| Carbs | 22 g |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 480 mg |
| Vitamin A | 320 mcg RAE |
| Vitamin C | 28 mg |
| Calcium | 150 mg |
| Iron | 2.5 mg |
| Potassium | 420 mg |
| Magnesium | 45 mg |
| Phosphorus | 130 mg |
| Folate | 60 mcg DFE |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, Calabacitas Rellenas is a perfect example of 'cocina de aprovechamiento' (resourceful cooking), using abundant summer squash to create a satisfying meal. Nutritionally, it's a balanced one-pot dish that packs vegetables, protein, and healthy fats into a single, flavorful serving.
