Chayotes Maria

Delight your taste buds with the vibrant flavors of Chayotes Maria, a wholesome and irresistible baked dish that combines the natural goodness of chayotes with a savory stuffing of seasoned vegetables, fluffy rice, and gooey cheddar cheese. This unique recipe elevates the mild, slightly sweet chayote squash by filling it with a flavorful mixture of sautéed onion, garlic, and red bell pepper, enhanced by earthy cumin and smoky paprika. Topped with golden, crispy breadcrumbs and a zesty hint of lime, this stuffed chayote dish is a comforting yet elegant option for vegetarians or anyone seeking a nutritious, flavor-packed meal. Perfectly baked and garnished with fresh cilantro, Chayotes Maria is a showstopping addition to your dinner table, ideal for family meals or entertaining guests.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 whole chayotes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion
• 3 whole garlic cloves
• 1 medium red bell pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 0.5 cup breadcrumbs

Directions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Cut the chayotes in half lengthwise and remove the pit. Scoop out some of the flesh to create a hollow for stuffing, being careful not to pierce the skin. Reserve the scooped flesh and set the chayote halves aside.

Step 3

Finely chop the reserved chayote flesh, the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper.

Step 4

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.

Step 5

Add the garlic and red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6

Stir in the chopped chayote flesh, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

Step 7

Remove the skillet from the heat and mix in the cooked rice, shredded cheddar cheese, cilantro, and lime juice.

Step 8

Stuff each chayote half with the vegetable and rice mixture, pressing it firmly into the hollowed section.

Step 9

Sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the stuffed chayotes.

Step 10

Place the stuffed chayotes on a baking sheet or oven-safe dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chayotes are tender and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.

Step 11

Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1717.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1489.9

Total Fat 70.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 29.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 121.1mg	0%
Sodium 3974.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 176.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 26.2g	0%
Total Sugars 32.6g
Protein 54.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1120.2mg	0%
Iron 12.0mg	0%
Potassium 2036.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 40.8%

Protein: 13.9%

Carbs: 45.3%