Poblanos are among my favorite chiles and I use them in many dishes, even those that don't have a Mexican heritage - pastas, casseroles, stews. The dark-green chile successfully lends its medium-spicy flavor to all of them.
I also like to top grilled meats with strips of poblanos that have been quickly sauteed in olive oil. This recipe for flank steak uses them in combination with red onion slices for a great, simple topping that matches the earthiness of the steak.
If you have more time, consider grilling the whole poblanos first until they start to blacken on all sides, then cut them into strips. That slightly charred flavor will make that steak even better.
Carol Mighton Haddix is food editor of the Chicago Tribune, which provided the recipe analysis.
Grilled Flank Steak With Poblanos and Onions
Serves 4 -- Total time: 30 minutes
1 teaspoon each: ground cumin, coarse salt
1/2 teaspoon Spanish smoked paprika or Hungarian paprika
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/2 cup chopped cilantro (divided use)
1 flank steak, about 1 1/2 pounds
2 poblano chiles
1 red onion
1 tablespoon olive oil
Mix cumin, salt, paprika, pepper and 2 tablespoons of the cilantro in a small bowl. Rub the mixture over both sides of the steak. Set aside.
Heat a grill or grill pan for medium-high heat. Stem and seed the chiles; cut into strips. Cut onion in half; slice in 1/4 -inch slices. Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add chiles and onions; cook, stirring over high heat, until crisp-tender or to desired doneness. Set aside.
Grill steak to medium-rare, about 7 minutes per side, or to desired doneness. Transfer to cutting board; let sit 5 minutes. Slice thinly on the diagonal. Divide meat among 4 plates. Top with chiles and onions; sprinkle with remaining cilantro.
Per serving: 299 calories, 15 grams fat, 5 grams saturated fat, 65 milligrams cholesterol, 2 grams carbohydrate, 35 grams protein, 550 milligrams sodium, 1 gram fiber
Menu
Grilled Flank Steak With Poblanos and Onions
Jicama and orange salad
Toasted tortilla triangles
Mango ice cream