Embark on a culinary adventure with Nutty Elegance: Stuffed Poblanos with Walnut Cream Sauce. This exquisite dish features poblano peppers stuffed with a savory filling, draped in a rich and creamy walnut sauce. Each bite offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors, blending the mild heat of the poblanos with the nutty, smooth richness of the sauce. It's a sophisticated dish that's perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress your guests with your culinary prowess.
Preparation and Cooking Times
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Servings and Serving Size
- Servings: 4
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed poblano pepper
Nutritional Profile (per serving)
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
Ingredients
- 4 poblano peppers
- 1 cup cooked and shredded chicken (or a vegetarian alternative)
- 1 cup grated cheese (like Monterey Jack or cheddar)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Walnut Cream Sauce:
- 1 cup walnuts, soaked and drained
- 1 cup milk or a dairy-free alternative
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt to taste
Detailed Method of Preparation
- Char the poblano peppers on all sides under a broiler or over an open flame. Let steam, then peel and make a slit to remove seeds.
- Sauté onion and garlic in a pan. Mix in the shredded chicken, cheese, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff each poblano pepper with the filling mixture.
- In a blender, combine walnuts, milk, garlic, sugar, and salt. Blend until smooth.
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the stuffed poblanos in a baking dish. Pour the walnut cream sauce over the peppers.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until heated through.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional chopped walnuts or fresh herbs.
Tips for Culinary Success
- Soak the walnuts in advance for a smoother sauce.
- Adjust the spiciness by using more or less cumin and pepper.
- For a vegetarian version, use beans or quinoa instead of chicken.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes, use vegan cheese and a dairy-free milk alternative.
How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze this dish?
It's best enjoyed fresh, as the texture may change upon freezing.