Sopes de Pollo Poblano
Yesterday’s leftover roasted chicken is slowly simmered in a deep red chili sauce with strips of fresh poblano, cumin and garlic, then spooned into a fried masa boat and topped with crisp white onions, fresh cilantro, avocado and bits of fresh cheese..
Sopes de Pollo Poblano
For the Sopes
8 oz fresh corn masa for tortillas
sea salt
1/4 cup asiento (dark lard)
Using a few drops of water if necessary, knead masa and salt together into a smooth dough. Roll into a ball, wrap and let stand 1 hour. Divide dough into 2 large or 4 small balls then press into to ovals about 1/4 inch thick. Flip the dough onto a hot dry comal and cook until slighty crisp and brown in spots, then use a spatula to transfer the tortilla to a clean surface. Working quickly, use your fingers to pinch up a border about 1/2 high around the edge, forming a boat. Place the sopes into a well-greased skillet and brush liberally with melted lard. Shallow fry over medium heat until golden brown.
For the Pollo Poblano
2-3 pieces of roasted chicken, torn into long strips
2 ancho chiles, stemmed and seeded
4 New Mexico chiles, stemmed and seeded
1 clove garlic, peeled
1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
1/2 teaspoon Mexican oregano
1/2 small poblano, stemmed, seeded and cut into strips
salt
Briefly toast the chiles and cumin in a dry skillet, then transfer to the bowl of a food processor. Add garlic and pulse to combine, then slowly add water and process into a smooth, thin paste. Pour chile paste into a saucepan and add torn pieces of chicken and strips of poblano. Cover and simmer until heated through, about 20 minutes.
To serve, spoon chicken mixture into hot sopes and garnish with minced white onion, cilantro, fresh cheese and avocado slices.
The post is part of The Nourishing Gourmet’s Pennywise Platter Thursday!
tiffanystable said,
January 22, 2010 at 12:37 pm
Just found out that you are “cagefreeliving’s” dad. What a small world. You are both so inspiring!
Ren said,
January 22, 2010 at 12:54 pm
Thanks, Tiffany! It was the Cagefree Family that got me back in the kitchen & cooking real food in the 1st place :-)
Kimi @ The Nourishing Gourmet said,
January 22, 2010 at 6:50 pm
When ever I am at your blog, I want to come over for dinner!
Ren said,
January 22, 2010 at 10:01 pm
Well, come on over, then :)
Jenn AKA The Leftover Queen said,
January 25, 2010 at 2:55 pm
Such awesome flavors! Love this dish!
Ren said,
January 25, 2010 at 6:18 pm
Thanks, Jenn!