Espagueti Verde

By Yvette Leon

Ingredients
  • 2 large poblano chiles
  • 6 sprigs cilantro, leaves only
  • 1 small white onion, chopped
  • 1 garlic clove, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons salt, divided
  • ½ pound spaghetti
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • ½ cup Mexican crema, or heavy cream
  • 4 ounces Manchego cheese, shredded

Turn the broiler to high. Set poblano chiles on a baking sheet covered in foil, and then place the sheet underneath the broiler. Cook, flipping the chiles occasionally with a pair of tongs, until blackened on all sides. Turn off the broiler, and transfer chiles to a plastic bag. Let steam for five to ten minutes. Peel the blackened skins off the chiles, and then remove stems and seeds. Chop the chiles and then place in a blender along with the cilantro, onion and garlic. Puree mixture until smooth. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 5 teaspoons of the salt. Cook the pasta according to the directions on the box. When done, drain pasta in a colander. Meanwhile, add butter to a large saucepan set over medium heat. When it foams, pour in the chile mixture. Cook, partially covered, for about 10 minutes. Stir it occasionally. Add the crema and 1 teaspoon of salt. Add the pasta to the saucepan and toss well. Divide the pasta between four plates. Top each with a sprinkling of the Manchego cheese.