CALABACITAS CON QUESO
Anahi
Calabacitas con Queso is a traditional Mexican dish made with zucchini stuffed with Monterey Jack cheese, dipped in a fluffy egg batter, fried until golden, and simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce. It’s a lighter, vegetable-forward twist on chiles rellenos that’s perfect with rice or tortillas.
For the zucchini
- 4-5 Mexican Zucchini sliced into circles
- Monterey Jack cheese cut into small pieces for filling
- 6 eggs separated
- 1 teaspoon flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Avocado oil for frying
For the tomato sauce
- 3 roma tomatoes
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 small piece of white onion
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon
- 1 teaspoon tomato bouillon
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Prepare the batter
In a stand mixer (or with a hand mixer), beat the 6 egg whites until stiff peaks form.
Add the yolks one at a time, mixing gently to incorporate.
Mix in the flour and salt until just combined.
Assemble and fry zucchini
Slice zucchini into circles and sandwich two slices together with a piece of Monterey Jack cheese in the middle.
Dip each zucchini “sandwich” into the egg batter, coating well.
Heat avocado oil in a skillet and fry the battered zucchini on both sides until golden. Remove and set aside.
Make the sauce
In a blender, combine tomatoes, garlic, onion, salt, chicken bouillon, tomato bouillon, and oregano. Blend until smooth.
Pour the sauce into a skillet and simmer for 5–7 minutes.
Combine
Add the fried zucchini into the sauce, cover, and cook on low heat until the zucchini is tender (about 10 minutes).
Serve hot with rice, beans, or warm tortillas.