Foods I would never buy 

Foods I would never buy  is a easy Mexican recipe that serves 5. 55 calories per serving. Recipe by benjamins.kitchen on YouTube.

Prep: 5 min | Cook: 6 min | Total: 16 min

Cost: $3.30 total, $0.66 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 pieces Bell Pepper (medium, any color, sliced into thin strips)
  • 1 piece Onion (medium yellow or white, sliced into thin wedges)
  • 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil (neutral oil, such as canola or sunflower)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt (kosher or table salt)
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)

Instructions

  1. Slice the Bell Peppers

    Remove the stems and seeds, then cut each bell pepper into thin strips (about 1/4‑inch wide).

    Time: PT2M

  2. Slice the Onion

    Peel the onion and cut it into thin wedges or half‑moon slices, matching the width of the pepper strips.

    Time: PT1M

  3. Heat Oil

    Place the skillet over medium‑high heat and add the vegetable oil. Heat until shimmering, about 30 seconds.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: Medium‑high

  4. Sauté the Vegetables

    Add the sliced peppers and onions to the hot skillet. Stir‑fry for 5‑6 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are tender‑crisp and lightly browned.

    Time: PT6M

    Temperature: Medium‑high

  5. Season

    Sprinkle the salt and black pepper over the vegetables, toss to combine, and remove from heat.

    Time: PT1M

  6. Serve

    Transfer the sautéed veggies to a serving bowl. Use immediately in fajitas, tacos, burritos, or as a side dish.

    Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
55
Protein
1 g
Carbohydrates
8 g
Fat
2 g
Fiber
2 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten‑Free, Low‑Calorie

Allergens: None

Last updated: April 14, 2026

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Foods I would never buy 

Recipe by benjamins.kitchen

A quick, budget‑friendly recipe for sautéed bell peppers and onions that form the heart of any fajita. By cutting your own veggies you save $200‑$400 a year compared to pre‑cut mixes. Ready in under 20 minutes, this side can be tossed with your favorite protein and tortillas for a complete Mexican‑Tex‑Mex meal.

EasyMexicanServes 5

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
5m
Prep
7m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
22m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$3.30
Total cost
$0.66
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Slice the bell peppers uniformly
  • Heat oil until shimmering but not smoking
  • Sauté vegetables until tender‑crisp, not soggy

Safety Warnings

  • Use caution when handling hot oil – it can splatter.
  • Keep fingers away from the blade when slicing peppers and onion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of fajitas in Mexican‑American cuisine?

A

Fajitas originated in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas in the early 20th century, where Mexican ranch workers used cheap cuts of beef (flank steak) and grilled them with onions and peppers. Over time the dish evolved into the popular Tex‑Mex staple we know today, often served with tortillas and toppings.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of fajitas in Tex‑Mex cuisine?

A

In Texas, beef (especially skirt or flank steak) is classic, while in other regions chicken, shrimp, or pork are common. Some areas add tomatillo salsa, grilled pineapple, or different spice blends to reflect local flavors.

cultural
Q

How is homemade fajita veggie mix traditionally served in Mexican‑American households?

A

The sautéed bell peppers and onions are typically placed on a hot skillet or serving platter, then wrapped in warm flour tortillas with the chosen protein, guacamole, salsa, and a squeeze of lime.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations are fajitas traditionally associated with in Tex‑Mex culture?

A

Fajitas are popular for casual family gatherings, weekend barbecues, and Cinco de Mayo celebrations because they are quick to prepare and allow guests to assemble their own tacos.

cultural
Q

What other Tex‑Mex dishes pair well with homemade fajita veggies from benjamins.kitchen?

A

Serve them alongside Mexican rice, refried beans, guacamole, pico de gallo, or a fresh corn salad for a complete Tex‑Mex feast.

cultural
Q

What makes the homemade fajita veggie mix from benjamins.kitchen special compared to store‑bought fajita mixes?

A

It uses fresh, whole bell peppers and onions, eliminating preservatives and hidden sugars while saving $200‑$400 a year. The simple seasoning lets the natural sweetness of the vegetables shine.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making homemade fajita veggies from benjamins.kitchen?

A

Overcrowding the pan, which steams the vegetables instead of searing them, and letting the oil smoke are the biggest errors. Also, cutting the peppers too thick can lead to uneven cooking.

technical
Q

Why does this benjamins.kitchen fajita veggie recipe use a hot skillet instead of a low‑heat sauté?

A

A hot skillet creates a quick sear that caramelizes the natural sugars in the peppers and onions, giving the classic smoky flavor and tender‑crisp texture that low‑heat cooking cannot achieve.

technical
Q

Can I make the homemade fajita veggie mix ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, slice the vegetables up to a day ahead and keep them in sealed bags with a damp paper towel in the refrigerator. Re‑heat quickly in a hot skillet before serving.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when sautéing the fajita veggies?

A

The peppers and onions should be lightly browned on the edges, still bright in color, and have a tender‑crisp bite. They should not be mushy or overly charred.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel benjamins.kitchen specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel benjamins.kitchen focuses on practical, budget‑friendly home cooking tutorials that emphasize cost‑saving tips, ingredient substitutions, and straightforward techniques for everyday meals.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel benjamins.kitchen's approach to Mexican‑American cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

benjamins.kitchen highlights the financial impact of ingredient choices, often comparing store‑bought convenience items with homemade alternatives, whereas many other channels focus primarily on flavor without the cost‑analysis angle.

channel

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