Look, we know the light, sweet flavor and juicy texture sometimes gives chayote a bad rap.
But I’d contend that’s simply because home cooks don’t understand how to bring out the chayote’s most positive attributes. Here’s the tricks for this recipe: High-heat roasting and a few scoops of green chile adobo, that versatile, spicy, herby, make-ahead season.
Underscore it with herbs (use a big handful of cilantro, torn basil or torn sorrel if you don’t have the green adobo) and a few drops of lime, then fill out the dish with tofu or crumbled goat cheese and you have a dynamic light meal.
Together, it makes for a perfect taco filling when served with warm, fresh tortillas. Layer it with black bean refritos for a special touch.
Served over greens such as baby arugula or watercress, it becomes a robust salad.
Ingredients
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Instructions
Turn on the oven to 425 degrees and adjust the rack to the middle. (If your oven has a convection setting, this is a good time to turn it on.)
Toss the chayote with the olive oil and a generous amount of salt (usually about ½ teaspoon) and cracked pepper (usually about ¼ teaspoon). Spread it onto a rimmed baking sheet, slide it into the oven and roast, turning every few minutes, until the chayote is beautifully browned and tender, about 25 minutes.
Remove from the oven and toss with lime juice, lime zest, and 3 tablespoons of the Green Chile Adobo. Divide between four warm serving plates and gently fold the tofu into the chayote with a spoon (if you’re using cheese, scatter it on top). If you have any leftover parsley or cilantro, sprinkle some on each plate and you’re ready to eat. This makes a perfect taco filling (especially layered with black bean refritos); served over greens such as baby arugula or watercress, it becomes a robust salad.
