Whip Up A Healthy Mexican-Style Side Dish: Cucumbers And Stewed Tomatoes

Posted on: 17 April 2015

If you're thinking of preparing a Mexican dish for dinner tonight, you might think your side options are limited to beans and rice. However, if you're looking for something that's lower in calories, healthier for you, and still full in flavor, then you might instead want to consider giving this Mexican-style side dish, which contains fresh cucumbers and stewed tomatoes, a try.

What it Pairs Well With

The great thing about this dish is that it's so versatile. You can pair it with essentially any kind of Mexican dish, such as tacos, enchiladas, or quesadillas. Just about anything you'd normally serve with rice and beans (or even a Mexican-style salad) can be a wonderful main dish for this side.

What You Need

So, what will you need to whip up this recipe? Just a few ingredients. And the measurements don't even have to be exact; if you want more or less of any ingredient, go for it. This recipe is versatile and doesn't need to be followed exactly. Here's what you'll need, though:

  • a couple of fresh cucumbers
  • a can of stewed tomatoes
  • shredded Mexican cheese
  • green onions 

How to Make It

Start by heating a small- or medium-sized skillet on medium heat. While the skillet is heating, chop the cucumbers into thin slices. Then, add a splash of olive oil into the skillet before tossing the sliced cucumbers in. Try to keep them from stacking on top of each other so they can cook evenly. After a few minutes, flip the cucumbers to the other side before adding the can of stewed tomatoes. Depending on how much liquid you want in your dish, you might want to drain the tomato can before adding them tomatoes themselves.

Once the cucumbers are tender, turn the heat down to low. Then, top the ingredients in the skillet with a generous handful of grated Mexican cheese. Let it melt over the top before garnishing with chopped green onions. To make this recipe even healthier, consider using low-fat cheese. Store leftovers in an airtight container; they should keep in the fridge for a few days and taste great reheated.

The next time you're in the mood for traditional Mexican food but don't want to go with the obvious side staples of beans and rice, be sure to give this healthy, Mexican-style dish a try. It's very flavorful and has only a fraction of the calories!

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