Chiles en Nogada
chiles-en-nogada
Ingredients: Poblano chiles (2), Ground pork or beef (150 g), Onion, finely chopped (1/2 small), Garlic, minced (2 cloves), Tomato, chopped (1/2 cup), Apple & pear, diced (1/4 cup each), Plantain, diced (optional) (1/4 cup), Raisins & almonds, chopped (1 tbsp each), Cinnamon & cloves, ground (pinch each), Walnuts (soaked, skinned) (3/4 cup), Milk or cream (1/2 cup), Fresh cheese (queso fresco) (2 tbsp), Sugar & salt (to taste), Pomegranate seeds & parsley (for garnish)
Step 1: Char poblanos over flame or broiler until blistered; steam covered 10 minutes. Peel skin, slit lengthwise, and remove seeds carefully.
Step 2: Picadillo: Sauté onion and garlic; add meat and brown. Stir in tomato, diced fruits, raisins, almonds, and spices; simmer until thick. Cool to warm.
Step 3: Nogada: Soak walnuts in hot water 10 minutes, then in milk 20 minutes. Peel if needed. Blend walnuts with milk/cream and queso fresco; season lightly with sugar and salt.
Step 4: Stuff chiles with picadillo. Spoon nogada over at room temperature. Garnish with pomegranate seeds and parsley.
Step 5: Serve traditionally at room temp; batter-frying is a regional variant but not required.