#pablanos

Poblanos 1

Ingredients:

6 large fresh poblano chiles,* stemmed 1 teaspoon cumin seeds 12 ounces unpeeled Yukon Gold potatoes or baby Dutch potatoes, cut into 1/3-inch cubes (about 2 1/2 cups)   1 1/4 cups coarsely grated sharp white cheddar cheese (about 4 ounces) 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano plus oregano leaves for garnish   1 cup low-salt chicken broth 1/2 cup orange juice 5 teaspoons ancho chile powder,** divided 1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon Italian double-concentrated tomato paste*** 1 cinnamon stick 1 garlic clove, pressed 1 tablespoon coarse kosher salt 6 1-inch-thick pork loin chops on bone, frenched Olive oil

Preparation:

Char chiles over gas flame or in broiler until blackened all over. Place chiles in bowl; cover tightly with plastic wrap and let steam 15 minutes. Peel, leaving stem intact (do not tear flesh of chiles). Using small sharp knife, cut 1 long slit down side of each chile; carefully remove seeds. Toast cumin seeds in small skillet over medium-high heat until slightly darkened and aromatic, 1 to 2 minutes. Set chiles and cumin aside.

Line rimless baking sheet with foil. Cook potatoes in large saucepan of boiling salted water until just tender, about 8 minutes. Drain. Transfer potatoes to medium bowl; cool. Add cheese, chopped oregano, and toasted cumin; stir to distribute evenly. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Carefully fill chiles with potato mixture, about 1/3 to 1/2 cup filling for each. Working with 1 chile at a time, hold in palm and squeeze gently to compress lightly. Place stuffed chiles on prepared sheet.

Combine broth, juice, 2 teaspoons chile powder, and next 4 ingredients in heavy medium saucepan. Simmer over medium heat until slightly thickened and reduced to 2/3 cup, 8 to 9 minutes. DO AHEAD: Chiles and sauce can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill separately. Let chiles return to room temperature before continuing.

Mix 3 teaspoons chile powder and 1 tablespoon coarse salt in small bowl. Sprinkle mixture over pork chops; let stand at room temperature up to 2 hours.

Prepare barbecue (medium heat). Brush pork with oil. Place pork chops on 1 side of grill. Transfer chiles on foil to opposite side of grill. Grill pork chops until just cooked through, about 4 minutes per side; transfer to plate and let rest 10 minutes. Grill chiles until cheese melts, about 15 minutes.

Rewarm sauce. Place 1 pork chop and 1 chile on each plate. Drizzle sauce over, sprinkle with oregano leaves, and serve.

* Often called pasillas; available at some supermarkets and at specialty foods stores, farmers' markets, and Latin markets.

** Available in the spice section of many supermarkets and at Latin markets.

*** Available in tubes at some supermarkets and at Italian markets.

My Thoughts: