Poblano And Cheese Tamales Tamales De Rajas Con Queso Food

TAMALES DE RAJAS CON QUESO

Steps:

• Roast the Poblano peppers, either in your broiler or on a stovetop flame. Place inside a plastic bag for 3 minutes to steam.
• Gently remove skins and seeds from the Poblanos, with your hands then cut them into strips.
• Place corn husks in a large stock pot filled with hot water to soften. Once softened, drain them and set aside.
• In a large bowl, beat the lard until it's full, about 6 minutes. After beating the lard, add the cornflour for tamales along with the baking powder. Mix well using a spatula.
• Pour the warm chicken broth and mix well until you form a soft dough. Keep mixing for about 5-6 minutes. The dough has to be soft and fluffy. Season with salt.
• Chop the Queso Fresco (cheese) into 1-inch pieces and place in a bowl.
• Gather the dough, salsa, cheese, peppers strips, and corn husks to assemble the tamales. Place a steamer in a large stock pot or line with aluminum foil at the bottom. Cover the rack with corn husks. Fill with hot water just below the steamer rack. Place a small coin at the bottom of the pot, that way if the pot needs more water, the coin will rattle and make noise. When adding more water to the pot, make sure to add it as close to the wall of the pot as possible.
• To form the tamales, using a large spoon, spread about 3 tablespoons of corn dough. Then add 1 tablespoon of salsa. Top with some pieces of Queso Fresco and Poblano Peppers strips.
• Fold the right side of the corn husk to the center of the Tamal and do the same with the left side. Fold over the narrow end of the husk towards the center and tie the tamal using a thin strip of corn husk. Repeat this process to from all the tamales.
• Place the tamales inside the already-prepared steamer and cook for 60 to 65 minutes. Check steamer occasionally and add hot water as needed.
• To check if the tamales are ready, remove one using kitchen tongs and place on a plate. Let it rest for 5 minutes. If the husk doesn't stick to the tamal when removed, then your tamales are ready.
• Serve with red or green salsa.

EMPANADAS DE QUESO CON RAJAS (POBLANO CHILE AND CHEESE EMPANADAS)

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Place poblano directly on the grates of a gas stove. Cook over medium heat, flipping with tongs occasionally, until blackened and charred, about 5 minutes. Place in a sealed plastic bag and allow to cool, 7 to 8 minutes. Peel off charred skins, remove seeds, and cut flesh into 1-inch squares.
• Place 1 1/2 tablespoons Manchego cheese onto each empanada disc. Top each with 1/2 tablespoon poblano peppers. Fold dough over on top of filling to close. Wet fingers with water and run them along the edges to help seal. Press edges together. Place empanadas on the prepared baking sheet and brush with beaten egg.
• Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, 24 to 26 minutes.

RAJAS POBLANAS (POBLANO STRIPS)

Steps:

• Blend the crema, cream cheese, and chicken bouillon in a blender until smooth; set aside.
• Place the peppers on a large griddle over medium-high heat. Roast until the skin blisters and turns black. Remove peppers from griddle and place in a plastic bag, allowing them to sweat for 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate to cool. Peel and discard the outer skin of the peppers; halve length-wise and remove the seeds and veins. Slice into thick strips. Set aside.
• Heat the vegetable oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat; cook the onion in the hot oil until tender, about 5 minutes. Stir the corn into the onions, reduce the heat to medium, and cook another 5 minutes. Add the poblano strips to the saucepan. Pour the cream mixture over the vegetables and bring to a simmer; cook at a simmer until hot, about 5 minutes more.