Chiles en Nogada (Mexican Stuffed Poblano Peppers in Walnut Sauce)
This traditional Mexican dish is from the area of Puebla. Poblano chiles are stuffed with a flavorful ground pork stuffing, then covered in a creamy walnut sauce and garnished with pomegranate seeds and parsley. The long list of ingredients is deceiving - this make ahead dish is quite easy once you have all your ingredients!
poblano peppers
8
olive oil
1
tablespoon
onion, chopped
1
garlic, finely chopped
2
cloves
ground pork
1 ¾
pounds
peeled, seeded, and chopped tomatoes
2
cups
ripe plantain, chopped
1
apple, chopped
1
fresh peach, chopped
1
fresh parsley, chopped
1
bunch
chopped candied orange peel
2
tablespoons
pine nuts
2
tablespoons
raisins
2
tablespoons
blanched almonds, chopped
2
tablespoons
whole cloves, ground
4
salt and pepper to taste
chopped walnuts
2 ½
cups
milk
1 ¾
cups
soft goat cheese
¾
cup
white sugar
1
tablespoon
cinnamon stick
1
(1 inch) piece
pomegranate seeds
1 ½
cups
chopped fresh parsley
½
cup
 Roast poblano chiles over an open flame on a gas stove or grill until the skin is black and charred on all sides, turning often, 10 to 15 minutes.
  Place the charred chiles in a plastic bag or in a large bowl covered with plastic wrap. Allow to sit for 5 to 10 minutes, then open and peel off the skin. Cut a slit in each chile lengthwise and remove the seeds.
  Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook until soft and translucent, 3 to 4 minutes. Add ground pork and cook until browned, breaking up with a spoon while cooking, about 7 minutes. Mix in tomatoes, plantain, apple, peach, parsley, candied orange peel, pine nuts, raisins, almonds, cloves, salt, and pepper. Simmer until filling is cooked through and flavors are well combined, about 10 minutes.
  Combine walnuts, milk, goat cheese, sugar, and cinnamon stick in a blender; blend until walnut sauce is smooth and creamy.
  Fill each poblano chile with the pork filling and place on a plate. Spoon walnut sauce over chile and sprinkle with pomegranate seeds and parsley.
