19 Calabaza Con Pollo Mexican Recipe Ignite Your Passion For Cooking!
Published on: Mar 15, 2024
Calabaza con pollo is a traditional Mexican dish that combines the rich flavors of tender chicken and sweet pumpkin. This recipe is a perfect representation of the fusion of Spanish and indigenous ingredients in Mexican cuisine. The combination of savory and sweet creates a unique and satisfying flavor profile that will have your taste buds dancing. In this article, we will explore the history of this dish and provide you with a step-by-step guide to creating this delicious and authentic calabaza con pollo at home.
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Broiler Fryer Chicken, Flour, Salt, Ground
Arroz Con Pollo, or chicken with rice, is a classic Latin American dish that has many variations. One popular version is made with beer can chicken, where a whole chicken is propped up on a beer can and roasted on the grill. The result is tender and flavorful chicken with a crispy skin, served on a bed of fragrant rice.
For this recipe, use a Mexican lager like Corona or Modelo for a touch of authentic flavor.
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Caribbean White Beans
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Onion, Green Bell Pepper, Water, Small White
This recipe takes the traditional beer can chicken to the next level by adding a side dish of Caribbean white beans. The beans are cooked with garlic, onion, and spices, then simmered in a beer and chicken broth mixture for a delicious and hearty side dish. Serve with the beer can chicken for a complete and satisfying meal.
For a spicier version, add a diced jalapeno or habanero pepper to the bean mixture.
Main Ingredients: Calabaza, Fresh Lime Juice, Rice Vinegar, Honey
This recipe combines the flavors of tangy lime, zesty garlic, and fresh cilantro to create a delicious dressing for roasted calabaza squash. The squash is marinated in the dressing and then roasted until tender and caramelized. Serve alongside the beer can chicken for a colorful and flavorful meal.
This dressing also works well as a marinade for chicken or fish.
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Cheese and Bacon Calabaza Squash Spread
Main Ingredients: Calabaza, Shallot, Bacon, Heavy Cream, Cheese, Spice
If you're looking for a tasty appetizer to pair with your beer can chicken, this cheese and bacon calabaza squash spread is the perfect choice. Roasted calabaza squash is blended with cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon for a creamy and savory dip. Serve with crackers or vegetable sticks for a delicious pre-meal snack.
For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and add some roasted red peppers for a pop of color and flavor.
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Hearty Calabaza Stew, a Tex-Mex
Main Ingredients: Ground Chuck, Red Bell Pepper, Calabaza, Onion, Ears Of
This hearty calabaza stew is a Tex-Mex twist on traditional chicken and vegetable soup. The calabaza squash is simmered with chicken, corn, black beans, and spices for a filling and flavorful meal. Serve with warm tortillas or cornbread for a complete and comforting dinner option.
This stew can also be made in a slow cooker for an easy and hands-off meal.
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Puerto Rican Sancocho (autoimmune paleo version;...
Main Ingredients: Coconut Oil, Onion, Leaves, Garlic, Celery, Meat, Beef
Sancocho is a traditional Puerto Rican stew that is often made with chicken, beef, or pork. This version is made with beer can chicken and is suitable for those following an autoimmune paleo diet. The stew is packed with vegetables and herbs, creating a flavorful and hearty dish that is perfect for colder nights.
To make this recipe even easier, use pre-cut frozen vegetables.
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Guiso de Maíz -- Cuban Corn Stew
Main Ingredients: Tasajo, Salt Pork, Sweet Corn, Sweet Corn Kernels
This Cuban corn stew is a delicious and unique way to enjoy your beer can chicken. The stew is made with corn, potatoes, and a variety of spices, creating a flavorful and creamy base for the chicken. Top with some shredded cheese and cilantro for a burst of flavor and texture.
This stew can also be made with frozen corn if fresh corn is not available.
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Ginataang Sitaw at Kalabasa with Crabs
Main Ingredients: Blue Crabs, Calabaza, String Beans, Coconut Milk, Fish
This Filipino dish combines beer can chicken with ginataang sitaw at kalabasa, a popular vegetable dish made with long beans and calabaza squash in a coconut milk sauce. The addition of crab adds a delicious seafood element to the dish, making it a perfect pairing for the beer can chicken.
If you don't have access to fresh crab, you can substitute with canned crab meat or shrimp.
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Caldo Santo (Puerto Rican Coconut Seafood Stew)
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, White Onion, Sofrito, Garlic, Ginger, Fish
This Puerto Rican coastal dish is a rich and flavorful seafood stew made with coconut milk, beer, and a variety of seafood such as shrimp, mussels, and fish. The beer adds depth and richness to the stew, making it a perfect pairing for the beer can chicken.
For a heartier stew, add some diced potatoes or yuca to the mix.
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Ham & Split Pea Soup
Main Ingredients: Onion, Green Pepper, Garlic, Flour, Split Peas, Ham
This hearty and comforting soup is a great way to use up leftover beer can chicken. The chicken adds a depth of flavor to the soup, while the split peas and ham create a thick and satisfying broth. Serve with some crusty bread for a delicious and filling meal.
This soup can also be made in a slow cooker for a hands-off meal.
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Aguadito de Verduras - Green Vegetable Soup
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Broth, Yellow Potatoes, Corn Kernels, Large
This Peruvian soup is packed with green vegetables and herbs, creating a flavorful and healthy meal. The beer can chicken adds a protein element to the soup, making it a complete and satisfying dish. Serve with some crusty bread for a delicious and comforting meal.
For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and add some extra vegetables or tofu.
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Conkies: Cornmeal and Raisin Pudding in Banana Leaves
Main Ingredients: Banana Leaves, Light Brown Sugar, Milk, Egg, Ground
This unique Caribbean dish is a sweet and savory pudding made with cornmeal, raisins, and coconut. The mixture is wrapped in banana leaves and steamed to create a soft and flavorful pudding. Serve alongside the beer can chicken for a unique and tasty meal.
The banana leaves can be substituted with parchment paper if needed.
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Mexican Chicken and Rice — Arroz con Pollo
Main Ingredients: Stock, Mexican Oregano, Cumin, Freshly Cracked Black
This classic Mexican dish is a simple and delicious combination of chicken, rice, and vegetables. The beer can chicken adds a flavorful twist to the traditional recipe, making it a perfect pairing for the dish. Serve with some warm tortillas for a complete and satisfying meal.
For a spicier version, add some diced jalapeno or serrano peppers to the rice mixture.
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Chicken and Rice Mexican Style (Arroz con Pollo)
Main Ingredients: Rice, Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast, Salt, Ground
This version of arroz con pollo is made with a delicious and flavorful tomato-based sauce, giving the dish a rich and tangy flavor. The beer can chicken adds a delicious twist to the traditional recipe, making it a perfect pairing for the dish. Serve with some warm tortillas for a complete and satisfying meal.
For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with tofu or extra vegetables.
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Arroz con Pollo | Mexican Chicken and Rice
Main Ingredients: Long Grain Rice, Chicken Broth, Chicken Breasts, Onion
This version of arroz con pollo is made with a delicious and flavorful tomato-based sauce, giving the dish a rich and tangy flavor. The beer can chicken adds a delicious twist to the traditional recipe, making it a perfect pairing for the dish. Serve with some warm tortillas for a complete and satisfying meal.
For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with tofu or extra vegetables.
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Fanesca or Ecuadorian Easter Soup
Main Ingredients: Bacalao, Squash, Zapallo, Shredded Cabbage, Fava Beans
This traditional Ecuadorian soup is a popular dish during Easter celebrations. It is made with a variety of beans, grains, and vegetables, creating a hearty and flavorful soup. The addition of beer can chicken adds a delicious protein element to the dish, making it a complete and satisfying meal.
For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and add some extra vegetables or tofu.
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Pumpkin Curry
Main Ingredients: West Indian Pumpkin, Curry, Vegetable Oil, Nigella
This hearty pumpkin curry is a delicious and flavorful way to use up your beer can chicken. The pumpkin adds a creamy and sweet element to the curry, while the spices and chicken add depth and flavor. Serve with some rice or naan bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
This curry can also be made in a slow cooker for an easy and hands-off meal.
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Jamaican Pumpkin Soup (Pureed)
Main Ingredients: Coconut Oil, Onion, Garlic, Celery, Green Onions
This Jamaican-inspired soup is a creamy and flavorful way to enjoy your beer can chicken. The pumpkin is pureed to create a smooth and velvety texture, while the spices and chicken add a delicious and savory element. Serve with some crusty bread for a delicious and comforting meal.
For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with tofu or extra vegetables.
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Arroz con Pollo...One Pot Mexican Rice and Chicken
Main Ingredients: Bone In Skinless Chicken Thighs, Bone In Chicken
This one-pot meal is a quick and easy way to enjoy a delicious and flavorful Mexican-inspired meal. The beer can chicken adds a delicious twist to the traditional dish, making it a perfect pairing for the fragrant rice and vegetables. Serve with some warm tortillas for a complete and satisfying meal.
To save even more time, use pre-cooked rice and frozen vegetables.
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Vegan 'Sancocho' (Root Stew)
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Garlic Cloves, Sweet Peppers, Oregano
This vegan version of sancocho is a hearty and flavorful root stew made with a variety of vegetables and herbs. The beer can chicken is substituted with tofu, making it a delicious and protein-packed meal for vegetarians and vegans. Serve with some crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
For a heartier stew, add some diced potatoes or yuca to the mix.
The History of Calabaza Con Pollo
Calabaza con pollo, also known as chicken with pumpkin, has been a staple in Mexican cuisine for centuries. It originated in the southern state of Oaxaca, where pumpkins were plentiful and commonly used in cooking. The dish was traditionally made with guajolote, a type of wild turkey, but as chicken became more readily available, it became the preferred protein for this dish.
The Ingredients
The key ingredients in calabaza con pollo are chicken, pumpkin, and a variety of spices. The chicken is typically cut into bite-sized pieces, while the pumpkin is diced into larger chunks. The spices used in this dish include cumin, garlic, and oregano, which give it a bold and aromatic flavor.
Featured Keywords: chicken, pumpkin, spices.
The Cooking Process
To make calabaza con pollo, the chicken is first seasoned with the spices and then seared in a pan until fully cooked. The pumpkin is then added to the pan and cooked until it becomes tender. This allows the pumpkin to absorb all the delicious flavors from the chicken and spices. The dish is then simmered in a tomato-based sauce, creating a vibrant and flavorful sauce.
Featured Keywords: seasoned, seared, tomato-based sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Calabaza con pollo is commonly served with rice and beans, or as a filling for tacos or enchiladas. It can also be enjoyed on its own with a side of warm tortillas. This versatile dish can be adapted to suit your preferences, such as adding more vegetables or adjusting the spice levels to your liking.
Featured Keywords: serving suggestions, rice and beans, tortillas.
In conclusion, calabaza con pollo is a beloved dish in Mexican cuisine that has stood the test of time. Its simple yet flavorful ingredients make it a perfect representation of the cultural fusion in Mexican cooking. With this recipe, you can bring a taste of Mexico to your own kitchen and enjoy the delicious and unique flavors of calabaza con pollo.