Qdobas Poblano Pesto Food

POBLANO PESTO

Steps:

• Char the poblano peppers on top of a gas burner, on a grill, or under the broiler) until all of the sides are blackened. Place in a bowl covered tightly with plastic wrap, allowing the steam to help loosen the skin. With your fingers or a spoon, scrape and discard the blackened skin then remove the seeds and core. Coarsely chop the poblanos, and place into a mini food processor. Add the Parmesan, cilantro, garlic, chili powder and oil and process until well combined, but not totally smooth. Taste and season with salt.

QDOBA'S POBLANO PESTO

Steps:

• Heat oil in a small saucepan, then add garlic and saute' on medium heat. Garlic needs to cook, not brown.
• Once the garlic is cooked (not browned), add the poblano chiles, green chiles, jalapenos and water. Turn heat down low enough just to maintain a simmer and cook ten minutes.
• After cooking, most of the water should have evaporated and chiles should be tender. Add almond meal, toasted pepitas, salt and apple cider vinegar.
• Remove from heat and allow to cool for a minimum of ten minutes. The cooling ensures that the lime juice and cilantro do not cook when you add them, as this can change their flavor dramatically.
• Add cilantro and lime juice, and stir to blend.
• Serve and enjoy!

CHICKEN QUESADILLAS WITH POBLANO PESTO

Steps:

• Put poblanos, pumpkin seeds,cilantro and serranos in a food processor and pulse until puréed.
• Add the oil in a steady stream with the machine running.
• Add the lime juice and salt, mixing well.
• Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
• Spread 1/4 cup of the pesto on each tortilla.
• Distribute 1/2 cup chicken on each tortilla and sprinkle with Monterrey Jack and Parmesan cheese.
• Fold tortillas in half.
• Melt the butter in a large pan over medium heat.
• Sauté quesadillas for 3 to 4 minutes on each side or until the tortillas are golden brown and all the cheese is melted.
• Let cool for 1 minute and cut each quesadilla into thirds. Serve with any remaining pesto or salsa of your choice.