This pork with zucchini and corn recipe is a very beloved dish in many homes in Mexico. Besides being a hearty and delicious meal, it is easy to make. Learn how to prepare this Mexican recipe; it is the perfect family meal to delight even the pickiest eater in your home.
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Calabacitas Con Puerco y Elote
The name in Spanish for this dish is “Calabacitas con Puerco y Elote,” and it's a Mexican pork stir fry recipe but healthier. Many in Mexico consider this traditional and popular dish a favorite comfort food. This meal Is not only delicious but easy and cost-effective. The recipe is very basic and quickly changes depending on your taste.
What follows is just a basic recipe for pork with zucchini and corn that I adjust depending on my mood or what ingredients I have. For example, I might substitute serranos for jalapeños or fresh corn for frozen corn (when not in season). Also, instead of stewing the meat, I might brown it first and then slowly simmer it with the rest of the ingredients.
As I mentioned above, this meal is tasty and easy to swap ingredients. You can also find it without the corn and use a green or red sauce, depending on what you have on hand. But without a doubt, this is a great family meal that will please almost everyone.
Frequently asked questions about Pork with Zucchini and Corn.
What are Calabacitas?
You may be wondering what Calabacitas are. Calabacitas is the Spanish name for Mexican squash. The Mexican squash (also known as Mexican grey squash) is a little sweeter than the traditional zucchini in the states.
What is the best pork meat for Pork with Zucchini and Corn?
For this recipe, I recommend pork roast, pork loin, or pork leg preferable. Choose a cut of meat that is lean, tender, and with a lot of flavors, like pork loin.
What do you serve with your Pork with Zucchini and Corn?
This Calabacitas con Puerco is usually served with a side of rice, white or red rice, black beans, and (obviously) a good amount of warm corn tortillas.
How to Store and Freeze your Meal.
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Sometimes I will make double the recipe amount and divide and freeze it. Simply freeze it in single or smaller portions for up to 3-4 months. Then thaw it overnight in your refrigerator and reheat it in a pot for a few minutes.
How to make pork with zucchini and corn stew
Ingredients:
- Pork Roast or stew meat trimmed of fat, cut in 1 in. cube or bite-sized pieces*
- Bay leaf
- Water
- Vegetable oil **
- White or red onion diced
- Garlic
- Jalapeno Peppers
- Fresh corn kernels
- Zucchini or squash
- Tomatoes diced
- Ground cumin
- Cilantro
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Directions for Pork with Zucchini and Corn :
Cook the meat
- Place meat in a large skillet with one cup of water and the bay leaf. Cover and cook on medium heat for 20 minutes. (Please check the ingredients list below)
- If broth is left from the meat, set it aside and reserve it to add later. Add 2 Tablespoons of vegetable oil** and sauté the meat over medium-high heat until slightly browned. Stir occasionally to keep it from sticking to the pan. It takes about 3-4 minutes.
Add Vegetables
- Add onion, garlic, and jalapeno pepper to the skillet. Cook, occasionally stirring, for 3 minutes. Add corn and cook for another 3 minutes. Add squash or zucchini, toss well, and cook for about 5 minutes.
Mix and Simmer
- Stir in the tomatoes and any leftover cooking broth. Finally, stir in the cilantro and ground cumin.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until pork and vegetables are tender, about 20 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper; serve your Pork with zucchini and corn with rice and warm tortillas.
What is your favorite childhood meal?
More Authentic Mexican Recipes:
If you enjoyed this recipe for pork with zucchini and corn, take a look at some of these other authentic Mexican recipes:
I hope you make these Mexican Cowboy Beans! If this recipe was of any help to you, come back to let me know your experience. Please leave us a comment below and tell us all about it!
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¡Buen provecho!
Mely,
📖 Recipe
Pork with Zucchini and Corn Stew
Ingredients
- 1 LB. Pork Roast or stew meat trimmed of fat, cut in 1 in. cubes or bite-sized pieces*
- 1 Bay leaf
- 1 cup of water
- 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil **
- 1 cup white or red onion diced (About ½ medium onion)
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 2 Jalapeno Peppers diced or slice
- 1 cup of fresh corn kernels 1 fresh corn on the cob
- 2 cups of zucchini or squash cut in ½ in cubes. (About 2 medium zucchinis)
- 3 large tomatoes diced. (About 2 ½ cups, diced)
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 small branch of cilantro.
- Salt and Pepper to taste
CHECK THE RECIPE VIDEO
Instructions
Cook the meat
- Place meat in a large skillet with one cup of water and the bay leaf. Cover and cook on medium heat for 20 minutes.
- If there’s any broth left from the meat, set it aside in a small bowl and reserve it to add later on. Add 2 Tablespoons of vegetable oil** and sauté the meat over medium-high heat until slightly browned. Stir occasionally to keep it from sticking to the pan. It takes about 3-4 minutes.
Add vegetables
- Add the onion, garlic, and jalapeno pepper to the skillet. Cook, occasionally stirring until they soften, for about 3 minutes. Add corn and cook for another 3 minutes. Add squash or zucchini, toss well, and cook for about 5 more minutes.
Simmer the stew
- Stir in the tomatoes and any leftover cooking broth. Finally, stir in the cilantro and ground cumin.
- Stir in the tomatoes and any leftover cooking broth. Finally, stir in the cilantro and ground cumin.
Video
Notes
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Esther
One of my favorite comfort foods. Recipe very similar to mine, but I sautee the pork with a little bit of olive oil, then add a can of crushed tomatoes to the mixture. Yummy!
Unknown
Excellent recipe came out great just enough spice
Stephanie Martinez
I made this for my family last night and it was really delicious.
Lynda
I like your website. This recipe looks very similar to my mom's way to cook this dish. I was hoping to share it with a friend who speaks spanish, but I can't find it on your website. Do you mind sending me the link?
mmartinez
Hello Lynda,
I will post the spanish version this week. Thank you for sharing the recipes.
Anonymous
I just made this and it tastes amazing. Thank you so much for the recipe 🙂
James Hatcher
Looking forward to spring. Gotta try this with fresh veggies.
melissa barrera
looks super yummy , but what can i put instead of corn?
Mely
Hi Melissa, you can skip the corn is you don't have fresh available.