Ingredients

  • 1/2 onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 Tbsp. canola oil
  • 1 lb. ground beef
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 Tbsp. fresh Mexican oregano leaves
  • 1/4 tsp. ground cloves
  • 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 to 1 c. tomato paste
  • 2 chipotles in adobo sauce
  • 3 to 6 Tbsp. golden raisins
  • 3 Tbsp. slivered almonds, toasted
  • 1/2 c. pimento stuffed green olives, sliced
  • 1/2 to 1 c. crumbled queso blanco
  • 8 large poblanos
  • Vegetable oil, for frying
  • flour, for dredging
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 eggs, separated
  • Tomato Ranchero Sauce

Method

  • To prepare Picadillo:
  • In a large skillet, saute the onion, garlic and bay leaves in oil over moderate heat, stirring, until the onion is softened.
  • Add the beef, and continue to cook until beef is no longer pink; break up any lumps with a wooden spoon. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Stir in oregano, cloves, and cinnamon.
  • Pour out any excess fat and stir into the tomato paste until thoroughly incorporated.
  • Add chipotles, raisins, almonds, and olives; salt to taste.
  • Remove from heat.
  • When mixture is cooked, add cheese and mix well.
  • Char the flesh of the peppers over a gas flame, under a broiler or on a grill.
  • Alternatively, set a rack over an electric burner or use a very hot heavy frying pan.
  • Cook, turning frequently, until the skins are blistered all over.
  • Take care not to overcook and burn right through the pepper. Put peppers in a bowl, cover with plastic wrap and let sweat for about 10 minutes to loosen the skins.
  • Rub off as much skin as possible and cut a slit along the side of each pepper, keeping the stems and tip intact.
  • Carefully remove the seeds and inner membranes, but do not rinse with water.