Quinoa is that healthy side dish people are always talking about. Make this one party-like to use as a stuffing in poblano peppers, or just as is in this creative quinoa dish. There will be quite a bit of extra quinoa stuffing after you have filled the peppers, which you can set out in a bowl on the buffet with a stack of little cups and spoons on the side—it’s great eating just as is. The quinoa itself is not spicy, just a blend of black quinoa, cotija cheese, corn, pine nuts, and cilantro.
Serve peppers whole for a small crowd, or cut into bite-size pieces to maximize amounts. If the spiciness of the poblanos seems too adventuresome, use the mix to stuff colorful bell peppers instead.
Interested in more Latin recipes for throwing a party? Check our my Latin Fiesta party theme for more ideas.
MAKES 6 POBLANOS
COOK THE QUINOA
1 CUP black quinoa
2 CUPS water
1 tsp salt
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Rinse quinoa, put in pot with water. Bring to boil, then simmer for 20 min. Move to a medium-size bowl.
MAKE THE QUINOA MIXTURE
3 ears of corn, cooked and kernels removed
1/2 TB olive oil
1 small white onion, minced
1/4 CUP pine nuts, toasted
2 TB fresh cilantro, minced
1 TB salt
1 1/2 CUPS queso cotija
freshly ground black pepper
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Toss all ingredients with quinoa.
ROAST THE PEPPERS: SET OVEN TO BROIL
6 poblanos
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On a baking sheet covered with aluminum foil, place whole peppers under the broiler. Broil 5 min each side, till skins are completely black. Remove from oven, create tent out of the foil with peppers inside. Let steam for 10 to 15 min, then remove the blackened skins.
PREHEAT OVEN 350ºF… BAKE THE POBLANOS
Let peppers cool. Carefully cut a vertical slit into the top of each chile. Cut out the seed pod with kitchen scissors, rinse under water to get rid of any seeds. Stuff the pepper with quinoa mix. Close pepper. Place in a baking dish, slit side up. Cover dish with aluminum foil, bake 20 min.
See more recipes for a hot and steamy Latin dance party in 07 A Latin Fiesta
