Calabacitas with Beef, Green Chile

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons of grapeseed or olive oil

1 1/2 pounds of thinly sliced chuck steak or ground beef

Salt and pepper to taste

1 small white onion diced

3 cloves garlic minced

3 serrano peppers

green chile

1 red bell pepper diced

3 roma tomatoes roughly chopped

1/2 tsp oregano

2 cups water

2 teaspoons beef bouillon

2 full cups calabacitas or zucchini diced handful of cilantro

1 corn

Instructions:

In a skillet, preheat 3 tablespoons oil oil for a few minutes at medium heat.

Once the oil is hot, add the beef.

Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Stir as needed and brown for 6-8 minutes.

Add the onion, garlic, 1 minced serrano and diced bell pepper.

Season lightly with salt and pepper and continue cooking for 3-4 minutes.

In the blender,. add the tomatoes, 1 reserved serrano, oregano, 2 teaspoons beef bouillon, 1/2 cup of water, 1/3 tsp pepper and salt to taste.

Blend on high until smooth.

Pour into skillet with beef.

Stir beef with blended tomato sauce well.

In the jar of the blender, add 1 1/2 cups of water.

Pour into skillet.

Bring up to a simmer and taste for salt.

Stir and continue cooking for 10 minutes.

After 10 minutes, add the zucchini, corn, cilantro, 1 remaining serrano and green chile.

Reduce to a simmer, cover and continue cooking for 15-20 minutes.

Ladle into shallow bowls and serve with rice, beans and warm corn tortillas on the side.

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Notes:

Versatile Protein Options: This recipe offers flexibility by allowing the use of either thinly sliced chuck steak or ground beef, catering to personal preferences and ingredient availability.

Customizable Spice Level: The level of spiciness can be adjusted according to individual taste preferences by controlling the amount of serrano peppers used or opting for milder pepper varieties like jalapenos.

Substitution Suggestions: The FAQs provide helpful suggestions for ingredient substitutions, such as using different cuts of beef, alternative peppers, or vegetarian/vegan options, making the recipe adaptable to various dietary preferences.

Nutritional Information: The inclusion of nutritional details per serving helps individuals make informed choices about portion sizes and dietary considerations, aiding in meal planning and calorie tracking.

Quick and Easy Preparation: With simple instructions and readily available ingredients, this recipe offers an easy-to-follow cooking process, making it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.

Variety of Serving Options: The dish can be served with a variety of side dishes, such as rice, beans, tortillas, or salads, allowing for a customizable dining experience based on personal preferences and dietary needs.

Flexible Vegetable Choices: While the recipe calls for calabacitas (zucchini), it offers the option to substitute with other similar summer squash varieties, providing flexibility based on ingredient availability and individual taste preferences.

Make-Ahead Option: The dish can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving, making it convenient for meal prep or entertaining guests.

Potential for Additional Vegetables: The recipe encourages customization by suggesting the addition of other vegetables, such as diced carrots or bell peppers, allowing for further personalization and nutritional variety.

Cultural Context: The dish is served with rice, beans, and warm tortillas, reflecting traditional Mexican cuisine and providing insight into cultural culinary practices.

Nutrition Information:

Yields: 4 | Serving Size: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use ground beef instead of thinly sliced chuck steak?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef for thinly sliced chuck steak in this recipe. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the ground beef is fully cooked.

How spicy is this dish with the serrano peppers?

The level of spiciness can vary depending on your preference and the heat of the serrano peppers used. You can adjust the amount of serrano peppers or remove the seeds to control the heat level.

Can I use a different type of pepper instead of serrano?

Yes, if you prefer a milder flavor, you can substitute serrano peppers with jalapeno peppers. Alternatively, you can use a hotter pepper variety for more heat.

What is calabacitas, and can I substitute it with another vegetable?

Calabacitas refers to zucchini in this recipe. If you don’t have zucchini, you can substitute it with other similar summer squash varieties such as yellow squash or pattypan squash.

Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?

Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of this dish by replacing the beef with plant-based meat substitutes or using additional vegetables like mushrooms or tofu.

For a vegan version, make sure to use vegetable oil instead of grapeseed or olive oil, and check that the beef bouillon used is vegan-friendly or substitute it with vegetable broth or bouillon.

Can I use a different cut of beef instead of chuck steak?

Yes, you can use other cuts of beef suitable for braising or stir-frying, such as sirloin or flank steak. Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the thickness of the meat.

Can I omit the serrano peppers if I prefer a milder dish?

Yes, if you prefer a milder flavor, you can omit or reduce the amount of serrano peppers. Alternatively, you can replace them with milder peppers like jalapenos.

Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

Certainly! Feel free to customize the recipe by adding other vegetables you enjoy. Some popular additions include diced carrots, corn kernels, or bell peppers of different colors.

What can I serve as a side dish with Beef and Calabacitas?

This dish pairs well with various sides, including rice, beans, warm tortillas, or a fresh green salad. You can also enjoy it with Mexican-style rice, refried beans, or guacamole for a complete meal.