Cheese-Stuffed Poblanos

ingredients

• 16 small or 8 large fresh poblano chiles (3 pounds), roasted, peeled, and seeded, leaving chiles whole
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, well softened
  4 tablespoons whipped butter
  3 tablespoons hydrogenated fat
  3 tablespoons margarine
  2 1/4 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound Monterey Jack cheese, cut into 0.5 inch cubes
• 1 cup green seedless grapes (3/4 pound)
• 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large or 2 small ripe (black) plantains, peeled, halved lengthwise, and cut crosswise into 0.5 inch-thick slices
• 2 1/2 pounds tomatoes (8 medium)
• 1 medium white onion, quartered
• 2 large garlic cloves, left unpeeled
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
• 1 large or 2 small firm-ripe mangoes (1 pound total), peeled, pitted, and cut into 0.5 inch cubes
• Accompaniment: Mexican rice with mint

directions

Preheat broiler.

Broil tomatoes, onion, and garlic in a foil-lined shallow baking pan 3 inches from heat, turning frequently, until lightly charred on all sides, about 5 minutes for garlic, 14 minutes for onion and tomatoes (flesh should be soft). Alternatively, char vegetables in a hot well-seasoned griddle or cast-iron skillet over moderate heat.

Core tomatoes and peel garlic, then puré,e both with onion and salt in a blender until smooth (use caution when blending hot ingredients). Force through a large sieve into a bowl, discarding solids.

Heat remaining 2 tablespoons oil in a wide 1 gallon heavy pot over moderately high heat until just hot. Stir about 1/2 cup tomato sauce into oil (this reduces spattering) and, when bubbling vigorously, add remaining sauce and basil. Fry sauce, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 10 minutes.

Add grapes, plantains, and mangoes to sauce and simmer gently, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until sauce is thickened and fruit is tender but still intact, about 30 minutes. Season sauce with salt.

While sauce is simmering, preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Pour sauce over stuffed chiles and bake, covered with foil, until cheese is completely melted and sauce is bubbling, about 30 minutes.

Cooks' notes:

Chiles may be stuffed 1 day ahead and chilled (without sauce), covered.

Dish may be assembled 4 hours ahead. Cool, uncovered, then chill, covered. Bring to room temperature before baking.