Zucchini Boats Stuffed with Corn and Black Beans with Creamy Chipotle Sauce
Mexican Food
Intermediate

Zucchini Boats Stuffed with Corn and Black Beans with Creamy Chipotle Sauce

An original Mexican-inspired recipe featuring baked zucchini boats filled with a savory mixture of corn, black beans, onion, and spices, finished with melted cheese and a creamy chipotle lime sauce. Perfect for a colorful and comforting homemade meal.

20 minPrep
30 minCook
50 minTotal
4Servings
VegetarianGluten-Free

Ingredients

Adjust servings
4
  • 4 medianas approx. 800 g zucchini (cut a lo largo and ahuecadas)
  • 30 ml olive oil (divided)
  • 120 g white onion (chopped finely)
  • 3 dientes 9 g garlic (chopped)
  • 160 g corn kernels (fresh or congelados)
  • 260 g cooked black beans (escurridos)
  • 150 g tomato (without semillas and diced small)
  • 2.5 ml ground cumin
  • 2.5 ml dried oregano
  • 5 ml chili powder
  • 6 g salt (or to taste, divided)
  • 1 g black pepper (or to taste)
  • 120 g shredded Oaxaca cheese
  • 120 ml Mexican crema
  • 1 pieza 20 g chipotle pepper in adobo (chopped finely)
  • 15 ml chipotle adobo sauce
  • 30 ml lime juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 15 g fresh cilantro (chopped, more extra for servir)

Nutrition facts

per serving

320 kcal
Calories
13 g
Protein
24 g
Carbs
19 g
Fat
7 g
Fiber
17 g
Net carbs

Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.

Allergens

Dairy

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 400°F / 200°C. Slice the zucchini lengthwise and, using a spoon, scoop out part of the flesh to form boats. Finely chop the removed flesh and set aside.

  2. 2

    Place the zucchini on a baking sheet. Brush with 1 tablespoon olive oil, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and bake for 10 minutes at 400°F / 200°C so they begin to soften.

  3. 3

    Meanwhile, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 3 minutes until translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.

  4. 4

    Add the chopped zucchini flesh, corn kernels, black beans, and tomato. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

  5. 5

    Season the filling with cumin, oregano, chili powder, the remaining salt, and black pepper. Cook 2 minutes more to blend the flavors. Remove from the heat and mix in half of the fresh cilantro.

  6. 6

    In a small bowl, combine the Mexican crema, chopped chipotle pepper, chipotle adobo sauce, and lime juice until smooth and creamy.

  7. 7

    Remove the zucchini from the oven and generously fill them with the corn and bean mixture. Top each one with shredded Oaxaca cheese.

  8. 8

    Bake again at 400°F / 200°C for 12 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the zucchini are tender but still hold their shape.

  9. 9

    Serve the zucchini boats hot with the creamy chipotle sauce spooned over the top or on the side, and finish with the remaining fresh cilantro.

Chef tips

For deeper flavor, char the corn in the skillet before mixing it with the other ingredients. If you want a more golden top, switch the oven to broil for 1 to 2 minutes at the end, watching closely.

Substitutions

You can substitute Oaxaca cheese with Monterey Jack or mozzarella. Mexican crema can be replaced with sour cream. If you do not have black beans, use cooked pinto beans instead.

What I used to make it

Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.

  • Illustrative image: Countertop blenderIllustrative image

    Ninja Professional BL610 Blender

    Smoothies, sauces and soups

    • Smoothies, sauces and soups
    • Easy-to-wash jar
    • Check the power and jar size
    View on Amazon
  • Illustrative image: Air fryerIllustrative image

    Cosori Pro LE 5 Qt Air Fryer

    Browning and baking with little oil

    • Browns food with very little oil
    • Handy for vegetables, chicken and reheating
    • Check the basket capacity
    View on Amazon
  • Illustrative image: Digital kitchen thermometerIllustrative image

    TempPro TP19H Digital Thermometer

    Checking doneness of meat and chicken

    • Checks doneness of meat and chicken
    • Quick reading
    • Clean the probe after each use
    View on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Ratings & reviews

Sign in to rate this recipe

Sign in