Calabacita Enchiladas with Salsa Ranchera

Thinking of my vegetarian friends while making this dish.  Yes, it takes quite a bit of work, but with fresh ingredients like these--the dish is healthy, delicious and beautiful.  Calabacitas is a Mexican side dish usually comprised of squash, tomatoes, green chile, cheese and corn.  I got the recipe for these fabulous enchiladas from the new cookbook I won in a contest from Bueno.  Order yours at www.buenofoods.com 

I must say here that I did change the recipe slightly.  However the change I made makes a significant difference in the taste.  The original recipe calls for 1 cup frozen corn and I substituted Birds Eye Southwest Blend which is a combination of corn, black beans, chile, onions and red peppers.

Even the most discriminating MEAT EATER will love these enchiladas.  However, I am making Buffalo Tacos with Pickled Radish and Salsa Ranchera to go with this meal for the hunky hubby.

Salsa Ranchera  (this salsa is an excellent addition to eggs, quiche, beans and tacos)

Cooking the chile, onions and tomatoes

Add the cilantro and lime juice

1 small onion, diced
1 7-oz container chopped green chile (sorry Alaskans you will have to make due with canned)
2 tomatoes, chopped
salt to taste
1/3 cup water
1/4 of the bunch of fresh cilantro, diced
1 TBSP lime juice

Cook the onion, chile and tomatoes and salt over medium heat.  Add water and simmer until most of the water is absorbed and onion is translucent.  Add cilantro and lime.


Calabacita Enchiladas with Salsa Ranchera

20 Calabacita Enchiladas topped with Salsa Ranchera

Ingredients you need in addition to Salsa Ranchera

These are the ingredients you will need to make Calabacita Enchiladas (also the Salsa Ranchera above)....makes 10 enchiladas

1 TBSP olive oil
1/2 medium onion diced
1/2 tsp. granulated garlic
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1/2 tsp. salt
1 small zucchini, sliced
1 cup frozen Birds Eye Southwest Blend OR corn
1/3 cup water
10 yellow corn tortillas, softened
Salsa Ranchera
                                                                                    1/3 cup Monterey Jack Cheese

Prepare Salsa Ranchera and set aside.  Heat olive oil in a saute pan and toast onions about 3 minutes.  Add spices and salt, cook 3 minutes.  Add zucchini and cook for 2 minutes.  Add corn and water and cook 3 minutes more. 

I like rolled enchiladas

Make either flat or rolled enchiladas by topping corn tortilla with vegetables, cheese and salsa.  I like rolled, so I rolled corn tortillas with vegetables and cheese, layered them in a non-stick sprayed stoneware baking dish and topped with Salsa Ranchera and more Monterey jack cheese.  Bake at 350 until hot (20 minutes).

                                 Muy Bueno!