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Poblano Rice Gratin

This spicy, cheesy rice dish was served on a regular basis at my parents’ house. It’s also perfectly delicious if you prefer to omit the crema and cheese and just serve the poblano rice on its own, saving you a few calories.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    serves 4

Ingredients

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/4 cup minced white onion
1 cup long-grain white rice
Kernels from 2 ears fresh corn
2 poblano chiles, charred (see page 35), stemmed, seeded, and chopped
1/4 cup Mexican crema (see page 70) or sour cream
1/2 cup grated Monterey Jack cheese

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Heat the oil in a medium-size heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and sauté for 5 minutes, or until translucent. Add the rice and cook for 10 minutes, or until the rice is opaque. Add 2 cups water and the corn kernels, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender.

    Step 2

    Meanwhile, preheat the broiler on high.

    Step 3

    When the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and stir in the chopped poblanos. Transfer the rice to a 7 x 10-inch glass baking dish. Drizzle with the crema, and sprinkle the cheese all over the rice. Broil for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the top is browned in spots and the cheese has melted.

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