CULICHI SHRIMP (OR BAKED DIP)

Steps:

• Poblanos on their own are mild chilis, only slightly spicy. It's a matter of preference whether you want to use poblanos alone or add a few jalapeños. I like things spicy, so I always add hot peppers. I generally make it less spicy as an entree (1-2 jalapeños) and spicier as a dip or appetizer (4+ jalapeños). But it is personal preference entirely. Try it with only poblanos the first time, then adjust the next time!
• The traditional cheese used in this dish is Mexican Oaxaca cheese, a mild white cheese that melts wonderfully. If you find it, great. If not, shredded mozzarella works perfectly (my Mexican mother-in-law uses mozzarella!).
• 1) Roast whole poblanos with jalapeños (if using): Place on cookie sheet at 400 degrees. Bake for ~20 minutes, turning over midway. You want the peppers to be soft and charred in some spots. If necessary, bake a a few more minutes. Place cooked peppers in a bowl with a top & cool (this will loosen the skin & make the peppers easy to handle). This can be done a week ahead of time.
• 2) When the peppers are cool, peel off the outer membrane of the peppers, along with seeds and stems. Discard skin, stems, and seeds.
• 3) Puree: Place all ingredients, except for the cheese and salt, in the blender or food processor, and blend until smooth.
• 4) Heat oil in large sauté pan. Add the puree and simmer, over low heat for 5-10 minutes, stirring often. Taste - checking that the "bitter" taste of the raw onions has gone.
• 5) Taste and add salt to your taste.
• 6) At this point, the sauce itself is done. This can be done ahead of time and saved in the fridge for a few days.
• 7) For SHRIMP Culichi: Sauté a pound of shrimp in a tablespoon of oil, 2-3 minutes each side, until almost done.
• 8) Arrange in a baking dish. Pour culichi sauce over the top. Sprinkle with shredded 1/2 cup mozzarella. Bake for ~20 minutes at 350 degrees.
• For FISH: Saute pieces of firm mild fish (cod, mahi, etc) in a tablespoon of oil, until almost done. Arrange in a baking dish, pour culichi over the top, sprinkle with 1/2 cup mozzarella, and bake, 20 minutes, 350 degrees.
• For DIP (no seafood): Stir 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella into the culichi sauce and pour into a baking dish. Sprinkle remaining shredded cheese on top. Bake until hot and bubbling and the cheese is browned in spots on top (approx 25 minutes, 350 degrees).
• Originally from: http://tucsontacos.blogspot.com/2009/01/recipe-of-month.html.