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Sunshine in a Tortilla: The Ultimate Summer Squash Tacos – vegetarian recipe
Stav Kogan

Sunshine in a Tortilla: The Ultimate Summer Squash Tacos

A celebration of peak-season summer produce, this recipe transforms humble summer squash, juicy tomatoes, and hearty black beans into a taco filling that's bursting with vibrant, smoky flavor. A perfect way to enjoy the summer harvest!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 8 to 10 taco
Calories: 95

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound (450 g / 15.9 oz) tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml / 1 fl oz) extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ medium onion, chopped
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 2 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 serrano chiles or 1 large jalapeño chile, minced
  • 1½ pounds / 680g (24 oz) summer squash, cut into ½-inch dice
  • 6 to 10 squash blossoms, sliced crosswise (optional)
  • 1 cup (170 g / 6 oz) cooked black beans, rinsed if using canned
  • 2 to 4 tablespoons (15-30 g / 1.06 oz) chopped fresh cilantro
  • Pro-Tips for Perfect Squash Tacos
  • For an extra smoky flavor, grill the tomatoes, sliced onions, and squash in a grill pan over charcoal instead of using the broiler and skillet.
  • This filling is perfect for meal prep! It will keep for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. The flavors meld and deepen overnight. Simply stir well before reheating.
  • Boost the nutrition and flavor by wilting in a handful of chopped spinach, amaranth greens, or other leafy greens during the last few minutes of cooking.

Method
 

  1. Turn your broiler to high.
  2. Line a baking sheet with foil, place the tomatoes on top, and broil close to the heat until the skins are charred black, about 2-3 minutes per side.
  3. Remove from the oven and let them cool until they're safe to handle. 2.
  4. Once cool, peel the skins from the tomatoes and remove the cores. Over a bowl with a strainer, squeeze the tomatoes to release the seeds and juices. Rub the pulp through the strainer to capture all the liquid, then discard the seeds. Roughly chop the tomato flesh and add it to the bowl with the strained juice. 3.
  5. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  6. Add the chopped onion and a pinch of salt, cooking until tender, about 5 minutes.
  7. Stir in the minced garlic, chiles, and diced summer squash, seasoning with more salt. Increase the heat to medium-high and cook, stirring occasionally, until the squash begins to get some color, about 5 minutes. 4.
  8. Pour the chopped tomatoes and their juices into the skillet.
  9. Cook, stirring often, for about 5 minutes until the squash is nearly tender. If using, stir in the sliced squash blossoms and cook for 5 more minutes, allowing the mixture to thicken and become fragrant.
  10. Finally, stir in the black beans and cilantro.
  11. Season to taste with salt and pepper, and serve warm in your favorite tortillas.

Nutrition

Calories: 95kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 3gFat: 3g

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