Mexican Zucchini Corn Skillet (Printable version)

Comforting Mexican skillet with zucchini, corn, tomatoes, and melted cheese ready in 35 minutes.

# What You'll Need:

→ Fresh Produce

01 - 2 medium zucchini, diced
02 - 1 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels
03 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
04 - 1 medium tomato, diced
05 - 1 medium poblano pepper, seeded and diced
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped

→ Dairy

08 - 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco or shredded Monterey Jack cheese

→ Pantry

09 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
10 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
11 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
12 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Optional

13 - 1 small jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
14 - Lime wedges, for serving

# Directions:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
02 - Add the onion and poblano pepper; sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
03 - Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
04 - Add the diced zucchini, corn, tomato, cumin, and oregano. Season with salt and pepper.
05 - Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8–10 minutes until vegetables are just tender but not mushy.
06 - Remove from heat. Stir in half the cheese and the chopped cilantro.
07 - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
08 - Transfer to a serving dish. Top with remaining cheese and extra cilantro. Serve with lime wedges if desired.

# Expert advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in under 40 minutes but tastes like it simmered all afternoon
  • The combination of tender vegetables and melty cheese is honestly addictive
  • Works as a side, vegetarian main, or even a taco filling depending on your mood
02 -
  • The key is not overcooking the vegetables, they should be tender but still have some bite to them
  • Letting the dish rest for a few minutes off heat allows the flavors to meld together beautifully
03 -
  • Dry your zucchini thoroughly after dicing to prevent the dish from becoming watery
  • Let the skillet get properly hot before adding vegetables to achieve better browning and flavor development