Vegetable Fiesta! Con Queso (With Cheese)
A colorful vegetable medley topped with melted Monterey Jack cheese, perfect as a warm appetizer or side dish, bursting with fresh flavors and savory notes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat olive oil over medium to high heat in a pan.
- Add onion wedges, cubed bell pepper, sliced mushrooms, and sliced zucchini.
- Stir-fry for 1 to 2 minutes until slightly softened.
- Add minced garlic and oregano, and stir-fry for another minute until crisp-tender.
- Pour in white wine and chicken broth, stir for a few seconds until the liquid evaporates.
- Add salt to taste.
- Remove the pan from heat and place cheese slices on top of the vegetables.
- Cover the pan for about 2 minutes to melt the cheese with residual heat.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting the olive oil with avocado oil. If you don't have Monterey Jack cheese, Colby or cheddar are great alternatives. Feel free to include other vegetables like corn or spinach for extra nutrition. Adjust the spices according to your taste, perhaps adding a pinch of chili powder for some heat. This dish can also be made vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Vegetable Fiesta! Con Queso with warm tortillas or over rice for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Chicken Fajita Pasta or can be enjoyed as a topping for baked potatoes. For a festive touch, garnish with fresh cilantro or avocado slices. This dish is perfect for a family dinner or as a side for a Mexican-themed gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use the microwave or a skillet on low heat. If using the microwave, cover the dish to maintain moisture. You can also add a splash of broth to revive the dish's flavor and texture. Avoid reheating multiple times to preserve quality.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Vegetable Fiesta! Con Queso (With Cheese) contains roughly 260 calories, with 7g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (41% of the Daily Value), iron (35% of the Daily Value), and vitamin D (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 803mg per serving (35% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen vegetables in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw and drain them before cooking to avoid excess moisture. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so adjust accordingly to ensure the vegetables are heated through but not mushy.
Is it possible to make this dish vegan?
Absolutely! To make this dish vegan, simply omit the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative. Replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. The rest of the ingredients are already plant-based, making it a delicious option for vegan diets.
What can I serve with this dish?
This dish goes well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with a simple green salad, or pair it with Sopa Xochitl (Zucchini Soup) for a comforting meal. You could also serve rice or quinoa for a heartier option, making it a balanced meal that everyone will enjoy.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).