Vegetarian Stuffed Poblanos

Podkayne's Note:

Poblano peppers stuffed with black beans, cheese and cornmeal, from Martha Stewart Everyday Food, April 2008. I've mostly just stolen this recipe from marthastewart.com, but added a few tips. If the poblanos are a little flattish, be sure to slice the peppers so that they they form a deep "pocket" to stuff. Be sure to use a reasonably good cheese. If you can't find good quality pepper jack, use plain Monterey Jack or cojack cheese and be sure to include the minced pepper. Cook time includes cooling time.

• Total Time: 1 hrs 30 mins
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 1 hrs 10 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 1 (28 ounce) can whole tomatoes in puree
• 1 jalapeno chile, minced (ribs and seeds removed, for less heat) (optional)
• 2 small onions, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves (2 whole, 1 minced)
• salt and pepper
• 1 (19 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
• 1 cup shredded monterey jack pepper cheese
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 4 large poblano chiles, halved lengthwise, seeded
• crushed tortilla chips (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 425. In a blender, combine tomatoes in puree, jalapeno, half the onions, and 2 whole garlic cloves; puree. Season with salt. Pour sauce into a 9-by-13-inch baking dish; set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, combine beans, cornmeal, 1/2 cup cheese, remaining onions, minced garlic, cumin, and 3/4 cup water; season with salt and pepper.
3. Dividing evenly, stuff poblano halves with bean mixture; place on top of sauce in baking dish. Sprinkle poblanos with remaining 1/2 cup cheese; cover baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
4. Bake until poblanos are tender, about 45 minutes. Uncover, and continue to cook until sauce is thickened slightly and cheese is browned, 10 to 15 minutes more. Let cool 10 minutes.
5. Plate the stuffed poblanos, sprinkle with crushed tortilla chips and top with sauce.

Reviews

[mtnmel]

Yum! Made this last night for the first time following recipe exactly. Needs a bit more "kick" for my taste~might use jalapeno seeds and all next time. Must try recipe. Thank you for sharing!

[zephanie]

Very delicious! I went the lazy route and used canned enchilada sauce in the bottom of the casserole but followed the rest of the directions as stated. It turned out perfectly and I will definitely make it again!

[jude503]

this is a great recipe. i make it all the time. i love that it takes about 5 minute to put it all together, and it tastes amazing. thanks for posting it.