This squash recipe sautés tender grey squash with Mexican herbs and spices. It is finished with a topping of hot, melted cheese. Also called "calabacitas con queso" or "little squash with cheese".
This delicious vegetarian dish is one of my favorite Mexican dishes. Super easy for a home cook to prepare. Enjoy it as a delicious meal or healthy side dish.
Carbs in Mexican squash - 5g net carbs
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What is Mexican squash?
I've been seeing lots of pretty grey squash next to the zucchini at my supermarket. I wanted to try them so I looked them up. It's a type of summer squash or Mexican zucchini.
According to Tomorrowseeds, the grey squash is a type of zucchini. Related to its cousin, the darker green Black Beauty zucchini. It's a medium sized squash that can be prepared similarly. Also known as "Calabaza", "Calabacita" meaning "little squash" in Spanish, "Harakun", "Kousa" or "Cousa" or "Lebanese squash".
You can find Mexican squash in the "local" section of your grocery store or at a farmer's market.
This is my take on Mexican squash. However, I'm no expert on Mexican cooking. For authentic Mexican recipes visit Mexico in my kitchen. Mely's got tons of great Mexican food to share.
Diet
This recipe is low-carb, keto, vegetarian and gluten-free.
The grey squash is a zucchini and has a similar nutritional profile. Full of vitamin C, they are low carb and low glycemic. This means they have little impact on blood sugar.
See the nutrition facts label in the recipe card below.
Ingredients
- grey squash
- yellow onion
- garlic
- jalapeño
- canned roasted chilis
- tomatoes
- oregano
- olive oil
- cheese
See recipe card for quantities.
Optional ingredients
- Corn. This recipe does not include corn to keep it low carb.
- Cilantro. Not everyone is a fan, it's up to you.
Substitutions
- If you can't find grey squash, then any summer squash will do. Tender zucchini squash and yellow squash are good substitutes.
- Butter instead of olive oil
- Cotija cheese or other authentic Mexican cheese, such as queso fresco
- Garlic powder, if you don't have fresh garlic
- Onion powder, if you don't have fresh onion
- Regular oregano, if you can't find Mexican oregano
Equipment
- large skillet
- spatula, spoon or tongs
Instructions
This great recipe is ready in 20 minutes.
Step 1: Cut squash into 1 inch shapes.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in skillet.
Step 3: Add onions, jalapeño and garlic.
Step 4: Stir in squash. Cook 1 minute.
Step 5: Add diced tomatoes and chilis.
Step 6: Mix together. Simmer.
Step 7: Top with cheese.
Step 8: Serve hot while cheese is gooey.
Serving suggestions
Serve warm as a meal or as a side with black beans and corn tortillas. This calabacitas recipe makes an absolutely delicious taco filling.
Storage
Leftover squash can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Cooking tips
- Cook until squash is fork tender. No need to overcook squash.
Frequently asked questions
No. They are related. The Mexican squash is milder and sweeter than a zucchini and has a lighter green, speckled skin.
Yes.
Mexican squash recipe card
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Diabetic
Description
This squash recipe sautés tender grey squash with Mexican herbs and spices. It is finished with a topping of hot, melted cheese. Also called "calabacitas con queso" or "little squash with cheese".
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ cup onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeno pepper, chopped
- 6 medium grey squash, cubed
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3 medium tomatoes, chopped
- 4 ounce can fire roasted chilis
- 1 cup shredded cheese such as cheddar, Colby or Monterey jack cheese (or a combination)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add onion and sauté for 1 minute until translucent.
- Mix in garlic and jalapeño pepper.
- Stir in squash.
- Season with oregano and salt.
- Stir in chopped tomatoes and canned chilis.
- Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until squash is fork tender.
- Top with cheese.
- Serve hot while cheese is gooey.
Notes
- Cook until squash is fork tender. No need to overcook squash.
- Zucchini, and other summer squashes, are a suitable substitute for grey squash.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Sides
- Method: sauté
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: grey squash, Mexican squash, calabacitas, low carb, keto, cheese, summer sides, recipe
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