Chiles Poblanos in White Rice | Chiles Poblanos en Arroz Blanco
by Dolores M. Wiarco (my mother), original recipe by Luisa Sandoval (my great tía)
Ingredients:
5 fresh poblano chile peppers
1 pound Oaxaca cheese (cut ½ pound into thin strips and shred remaining ½ pound)
2 cups long grain rice
1 ¾ cup water
1 tablespoon butter
1 container (15-fluid ounces) crema Mexicana (may substitute with table cream or crème fraîche)
Preparation:
- Toast chiles on a comal or flat pan until blackened. Alternatively, you may broil them for about 5 minutes until blistered and slightly blackened. Place in plastic bag and allow to “sweat” for 30 minutes, then carefully remove skin by hand.
- Slice one side of each chile to carefully remove seeds and stuff with cheese. If you like a little spice, leave in the seeds. When closing, fold one side of the chile slightly over the other side.
- Add rice, water, and butter to a large and deep (approximately 12-inches in diameter and 3-inches in depth) sauté pan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Allow to boil until water evaporates to the point where you just begin to see the rice through the water. Lower to lowest heat possible.
- Carefully place chiles in rice and push down slightly.
- Pour crema Mexicana over the chiles and rice and then top with shredded cheese. Cover with lid and allow rice to finish cooking for approximately 20 more minutes.
- When serving, carefully scoop out chiles and serve over rice.