Poblano Pepper

Discover the rich, earthy flavor of poblano peppers, one of Mexico's most beloved chiles that brings mild heat and incredible depth to countless dishes. These dark green, heart-shaped peppers are named after the Mexican state of Puebla and are prized for their thick walls, smoky undertones, and gentle spice level that registers between 1,000-2,000 Scoville heat units. Fresh poblanos offer a complex flavor profile with hints of chocolate and tobacco, making them significantly milder than jalapeños while delivering much more character than bell peppers. Poblano peppers are incredibly versatile in the kitchen and shine in traditional Mexican cuisine. They're the star ingredient in chiles rellenos, where the peppers are stuffed with cheese or meat, battered, and fried to golden perfection. These peppers also excel when roasted, which intensifies their smoky flavor and makes the skin easy to peel. Try roasting poblanos over an open flame or under the broiler, then incorporating them into salsas, soups, or cream sauces. They add wonderful depth to enchilada sauces, quesadillas, and rice dishes. When selecting poblanos, look for peppers with glossy, dark green skin and firm texture. Their thick flesh holds up beautifully to grilling, roasting, and stuffing. For meal planning, consider pairing poblanos with ingredients like corn, black beans, tomatoes, and Mexican cheeses. When dried, poblano peppers become ancho chiles, but fresh poblanos offer a brighter, more vegetal flavor that complements both vegetarian dishes and hearty meat preparations.