Roasted Poblano Chile and Cheese Tamale Filling
Cookbook author Marcela Valladolid showed us how to put on a tamalada--a tamale-making party--at her house near San Diego; this was one of the several tamales that day. Charring the chiles over a gas flame, rather than a broiler, roasts just the skin, leaving the chile underneath fresh-tasting. Buy Oaxaca cheese from Latino markets in sticks or as strings woven into a ball, to unfold. Taste some before buying--the fresher and more buttery, the better.
How to Make It
Step 1
1
Char chiles on a gas burner or broil in the oven, turning often, until blackened all over, about 10 minutes. Put in a bowl, cover, and let steam 20 minutes.
Step 2
2
Using a paper towel, peel blistered skin off chiles. Stem and seed chiles, then slice into 1/2-in. strips lengthwise. Halve any pieces longer than about 3 in. Season with salt.
Step 3
3
Pull Oaxaca cheese apart into pieces about 1/2 in. wide and 3 in. long. If using Monterey jack, cut into 1/2- by 3-in. sticks.
Step 4
4
Make ahead: Up to 2 days, char and peel chiles and prep cheese; keep chilled.
Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds poblano chiles (4 to 6)
Kosher salt to taste
18 ounces Oaxaca or Monterey jack cheese
Directions
Step 1
1
Char chiles on a gas burner or broil in the oven, turning often, until blackened all over, about 10 minutes. Put in a bowl, cover, and let steam 20 minutes.
Step 2
2
Using a paper towel, peel blistered skin off chiles. Stem and seed chiles, then slice into 1/2-in. strips lengthwise. Halve any pieces longer than about 3 in. Season with salt.
Step 3
3
Pull Oaxaca cheese apart into pieces about 1/2 in. wide and 3 in. long. If using Monterey jack, cut into 1/2- by 3-in. sticks.
Step 4
4
Make ahead: Up to 2 days, char and peel chiles and prep cheese; keep chilled.
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