total
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Jennifer Zavala's downfall in the first episode of Top Chef Season 6 was her insistence on using seitan (made from wheat gluten) for vegetarian chiles
rellenos, but not in a way that improved the classic stuffed peppers.
She also covered her clunky, overstuffed poblanos in a thick,
unappealing crust. Instead, Gail Simmons fills poblanos with a traditional mix of cheese and jalapeños, then tops them with a bright, fresh salsa.
Ingredients
- 6 medium poblano peppers, about 3 ounces each
- 1 tablespoon(s) vegetable oil
- 1/2 small onion, minced
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced
- 6 ounce(s) Monterey Jack cheese, shredded 1 1/2 cups
- 1/4 cup(s) freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
- 2 tablespoon(s) chopped cilantro
- Salt
- 1 1/2 cup(s) grape tomatoes, quartered
- 1 Hass avocado, finely diced
- 1/4 cup(s) finely chopped onion
- 2 tablespoon(s) chopped cilantro
- 1/2 small jalapeño, seeded and minced
- 2 tablespoon(s) freshly squeezed lime juice
- Salt and freshly ground pepper
Directions
- 1. Make the Chiles Rellenos: Roast the poblanos directly over a gas flame or under a broiler, turning occasionally, until they are charred all over. Transfer the poblanos to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap and let cool. Peel the poblanos. Using a small, sharp knife, make a small lengthwise slit in each one, near the stem end. Using kitchen scissors, carefully cut out the core and seeds, then remove the core and seeds without tearing the poblanos or enlarging the opening.
- 2. Preheat the oven to 425°. In a small skillet, heat the vegetable oil. Add the diced onion, garlic and jalapeño and cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Let the vegetable mixture cool, then stir in the Monterey Jack, Parmigiano-Reggiano and chopped cilantro. Press the cheese filling into 6 logs.
- 3. Lightly season the insides of the poblanos with salt. Carefully stuff the cheese filling into the poblanos and press the poblanos closed. Place the stuffed poblanos on a baking sheet and roast in the upper third of the oven for about 12 minutes, until the cheese is melted.
- 4. Meanwhile, Make the Salsa: In a bowl, combine the grape tomatoes with the diced avocado, onion, cilantro, jalapeño and lime juice and season the salsa with salt and pepper.
- 5. Transfer the chiles rellenos to plates, spoon the salsa on top and serve.
