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Recipes for garden vegetables: squash, chile, greens and tomatoes

Use when someone has garden vegetables (squash, zucchini, chile, greens, tomatoes, corn) from their garden, a neighbor or a food box and wants simple recipes.

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In this guide
  1. Before you start
  2. Calabacitas (squash with corn and chile)
  3. Roasting fresh green chile
  4. Greens with beans
  5. Fresh salsa (pico de gallo)
  6. Stewed tomatoes and squash

1Before you start

Fresh vegetables plus beans, rice and tortillas make cheap, healthy meals.
Wash vegetables well under running water. Cut off bruised spots.
At the Gospel MissionFresh produce is sometimes in Mission food boxes and at the Thursday Morning Market. To grow your own, see the guide "Wants to grow vegetables to eat".

2Calabacitas (squash with corn and chile)

Makes 4 servings. About 20 minutes.
  • 2-3 zucchini or yellow squash, cut in pieces
  • 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen or canned), 1 onion, 1/2 cup green chile
  • Oil, garlic, salt, cheese if you have it
  1. Cook the onion in oil until soft. Add squash and garlic.
  2. Cook 8-10 minutes, stirring, until tender. Add corn and chile and heat through.
  3. Top with cheese. Eat as a side or in tortillas.

3Roasting fresh green chile

  1. Roast chiles over a gas flame, on a grill, in a dry heavy pan, or under the oven broiler. Turn until the skin blisters black all over.
  2. Put them in a covered bowl or bag 10-15 minutes to steam.
  3. Peel off the skin and pull out the stem and seeds. Use gloves; chile burns skin and eyes.

4Greens with beans

Makes 3 servings. About 15 minutes.
  • 1 big bunch greens (spinach, chard, kale, quelites/lamb's quarters, beet or radish tops), chopped
  • 1 can or 2 cups cooked beans, garlic, oil, salt, red chile flakes
  1. Cook garlic in oil 1 minute. Add greens and a splash of water.
  2. Cover and cook 3-8 minutes until soft. Stir in beans and heat.

5Fresh salsa (pico de gallo)

Makes about 2 cups. About 10 minutes.
  • 3 tomatoes, 1/2 onion, 1 jalapeño or green chile, salt, lime or vinegar, cilantro if you have it
  1. Chop everything small and mix.
  2. Eat within 2-3 days. Keep in the fridge.

6Stewed tomatoes and squash

Simmer chopped tomatoes, squash and onion with garlic and salt 15-20 minutes. Serve over rice or pasta.

More help like this

Hungry today and needs food for the monthUse when someone is hungry now and also needs enough food for the rest of the month.Has special diet needs (diabetes, allergies, no teeth)Use when someone needs food that fits a health need: diabetes, food allergies, kidney or heart problems, soft food for missing teeth, or special baby formula.Someone is asking for money at your doorUse when a stranger knocks at your home or business asking for money, gas, food or a ride, and you want to stay safe, spot scams, and point them to real help.All food pantries in Grant County: places, days, times and what to bringUse when someone wants a list of every food pantry and free food distribution in Grant County, with where and when they are, who qualifies and what to bring.Wants to stock up on beans, rice, masa, flour, sugar, salt and oilUse when someone wants to buy basic staples (beans, rice, masa, flour, sugar, salt, oil) in bulk to save money and have food that lasts for months.Wants more fresh fruit and vegetables with SNAP (Double Up Food Bucks)Use when someone gets SNAP and wants more fresh fruit and vegetables. Double Up Food Bucks gives free extra money for New Mexico-grown produce at farmers markets.

See all guides in Food and basics →

This guide is general information only, not medical, legal or other professional advice. Places and rules change, so please call before you go. In an emergency, call 911; in a mental health crisis, call or text 988. Disclaimer

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Questions, or want someone to walk through this with you? The Silver City Gospel Mission, 111 S. Texas St., Silver City, 575-388-5071, weekdays 9:00am-1:45pm. Everyone is welcome.