California Stuffed Chiles
California Stuffed Chiles Recipe: A Vegetarian Delight
Introduction
California Stuffed Chiles are a delicious and vibrant dish that combines the smoky flavor of poblano chiles with a refreshing and zesty avocado salad. This recipe is perfect for a light and flavorful meal that is sure to impress your guests.
History
The origins of California Stuffed Chiles can be traced back to the fusion of Mexican and Californian cuisine. The combination of roasted chiles with a fresh and colorful avocado salad reflects the diverse culinary influences of the region.
Ingredients
- 4 fresh poblano chiles
- 4 tbsp orange juice
- 0.25 cup fresh lime juice
- 1 firm, ripe avocado, peeled, pitted and cubed
- 1 to 2 tsp minced fresh jalapeño
- 0.33 cup chopped scallions
- 0.33 cup chopped fresh coriander
- 1 cup pomegranate arils
- salt to taste
- 0.25 cup crumbled feta cheese
How to prepare
- 1. Preheat the broiler and line a large baking pan with aluminum foil.
- 2. Broil the chiles, turning them as needed, until their skins blister and blacken, which should take about 15 to 20 minutes. Remove them from the heat and let them cool.
- 3. Pull off the skins and discard them. Slit the chiles lengthwise through one side and scoop out and discard the seeds and veins, making sure to leave the stems intact.
- 4. In a mixing bowl, combine the orange and lime juices. Place the avocado cubes in the bowl and add the jalapeño, scallions, fresh coriander, and pomegranate arils. Stir everything together and season the mixture with salt.
- 5. Place the chiles on plates, with the slit side facing up. Spoon equal amounts of the salad mixture into each chile. Sprinkle cheese over the top and serve.
Variations
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp to the avocado salad for extra protein.
- Substitute feta cheese with goat cheese or queso fresco for a different flavor.
- Mix in diced tomatoes or black beans for added texture.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to roast the chiles until the skins blister and blacken to enhance their flavor.
- Be careful when handling the jalapeño to avoid getting the oils on your skin.
- Adjust the amount of jalapeño to suit your spice preference.
- Use ripe avocados for the best texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
California Stuffed Chiles can be served as a light lunch or dinner, accompanied by a side salad or rice.
Cooking Techniques
Broiling the chiles helps to soften them and bring out their smoky flavor.
- Mixing the avocado salad gently ensures that the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use bell peppers instead of poblano chiles for a milder flavor.
- Replace pomegranate arils with diced mango or pineapple for a tropical twist.
Make Ahead Tips
The avocado salad can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to use. Assemble the stuffed chiles just before serving for the best texture.
Presentation Ideas
Arrange the stuffed chiles on a platter and garnish with extra pomegranate arils and fresh coriander for a colorful presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
California Stuffed Chiles pair well with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay. For a non-alcoholic option, try serving with a citrus-infused sparkling water.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftover stuffed chiles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of California Stuffed Chiles contains approximately 200 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of California Stuffed Chiles contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of California Stuffed Chiles contains approximately 10 grams of fats.
Proteins
Each serving of California Stuffed Chiles contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.
Vitamins and minerals
California Stuffed Chiles are rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, and potassium.
Alergens
This recipe contains dairy (feta cheese) and tree nuts (pomegranate arils). It may not be suitable for individuals with allergies to these ingredients.
Summary
California Stuffed Chiles are a nutritious dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.
Summary
California Stuffed Chiles are a flavorful and nutritious dish that combines the smoky heat of poblano chiles with a refreshing avocado salad. This recipe is perfect for a light and satisfying meal that is sure to impress your guests. Enjoy!
How did I get this recipe?
I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for California Stuffed Chiles. It was a hot summer day, and I was rummaging through an old box of cookbooks and handwritten recipes that I had accumulated over the years. As I flipped through the yellowed pages, one particular recipe caught my eye.
The recipe was written on a faded index card, with the title, "California Stuffed Chiles," scrawled across the top in elegant cursive. Intrigued, I read through the ingredients and instructions, noting the unique combination of flavors and spices. It called for fresh poblano peppers, ground beef, rice, black beans, corn, and a medley of herbs and spices. The end result promised a savory and satisfying dish that I knew would be a hit with my family.
As I read through the recipe, memories flooded back to me of the various places and people from whom I had learned to cook over the years. My own mother had been my first teacher, showing me the basics of preparing simple, comforting meals for our family. I remembered the days spent in her cozy kitchen, watching her chop vegetables, simmer sauces, and bake delicious treats. She had instilled in me a love for cooking and a curiosity for trying new recipes and flavors.
Over the years, I had expanded my culinary repertoire by learning from friends, neighbors, and even strangers I met along the way. I had picked up tips and tricks from watching cooking shows, reading food magazines, and attending cooking classes. Each new recipe I tried became a part of my culinary journey, adding to the tapestry of flavors and experiences that shaped my cooking style.
But this recipe for California Stuffed Chiles was different. It felt like a hidden gem, waiting to be discovered and brought to life in my own kitchen. I could almost taste the smoky char of the roasted peppers, the hearty filling of beef and rice, and the burst of sweetness from the corn and beans. It was a dish that spoke to my love for bold flavors and comforting meals, perfect for sharing with loved ones around the dinner table.
I decided to make the California Stuffed Chiles for dinner that night, eager to see how the flavors would come together and how my family would react to this new dish. I gathered the ingredients, prepped the peppers, and started cooking, following the instructions on the recipe card with care and attention.
The aroma that filled my kitchen as the peppers roasted in the oven was intoxicating, a heady mix of spices and charred peppers that made my mouth water in anticipation. I sautéed the ground beef with onions and garlic, adding in the rice, beans, and corn to create a flavorful filling that would be stuffed into the roasted peppers.
As I assembled the dish, filling each pepper with the savory mixture and topping them with a sprinkle of cheese, I felt a sense of satisfaction and pride. This recipe for California Stuffed Chiles felt like a culmination of all the knowledge and skills I had acquired over the years, a testament to my love for cooking and sharing good food with others.
When I pulled the dish out of the oven and set it on the table, my family's eyes widened in delight at the sight and smell of the stuffed peppers. They eagerly dug in, savoring the layers of flavors and textures that the dish offered. The smoky heat of the peppers paired perfectly with the savory beef and rice filling, creating a dish that was both comforting and exciting.
As we enjoyed our meal together, laughter and conversation flowing freely around the table, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the journey that had led me to this moment. The recipe for California Stuffed Chiles had brought me joy and satisfaction, reminding me of the power of good food to nourish the body and soul.
And so, as I sat back in my chair, watching my family enjoy the meal I had prepared with love and care, I knew that this recipe would become a cherished part of my culinary repertoire, a reminder of the diverse flavors and experiences that had shaped me into the cook I am today. And I couldn't wait to discover more hidden gems like this one, waiting to be uncovered and shared with those I hold dear.
Categories
| American Recipes | Avocado Recipes | Cheese Recipes | Chile Pepper Recipes | Feta Recipes | Lime Juice Recipes | Lime Recipes | Orange Juice Recipes | Pomegranate Recipes | Vegetarian Recipes |