
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.
Ingredients
- 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
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
Instructions
- 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
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
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
Add the chopped zucchini flesh, corn kernels, black beans, and tomato. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 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
In a small bowl, combine the Mexican crema, chopped chipotle pepper, chipotle adobo sauce, and lime juice until smooth and creamy.
- 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
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
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 imageNinja Professional BL610 Blender
Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Easy-to-wash jar
- Check the power and jar size
Illustrative imageCosori 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
Illustrative imageTempPro TP19H Digital Thermometer
Checking doneness of meat and chicken
- Checks doneness of meat and chicken
- Quick reading
- Clean the probe after each use
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