STUFFED POBLANOS WITH BLACK BEANS AND CHEESE

Steps:

• Place rice in a colander or a fine mesh strainer and rinse under cold running water until the water runs clear. Combine rice, water, and 3/4 teaspoon of the salt in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Cover the pan and reduce heat to low; cook until water has been completely absorbed, about 10 minutes (rice will be slightly undercooked). Remove the lid and set the pan aside to let rice cool.
• To prepare peppers for stuffing, use a paring knife to cut a wide circle around each stem (like when carving a jack-o'-lantern), so you end up with a cap that can be replaced once you've stuffed the peppers. Be careful not to puncture or rip the peppers. Clean any seeds and membranes from the cap and from the interior of each pepper; set aside.
• Place beans in a large mixing bowl. Using a potato masher or the back of a fork, lightly mash them (some whole beans will remain). Stir cumin, sour cream, Cotija, cilantro, tomatoes, green onions, pepper, chorizo (if using) and remaining salt into mashed beans and mix until evenly combined. Gently mix in cooled rice. Taste mixture and, if necessary, season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. (Note that the filling should be quite salty to compensate for there being no salt on the peppers.).
• Divide rice mixture into 6 equal portions. Stuff each pepper with the filling and replace each cap, pressing caps into the stuffing so the peppers remain closed while on the grill; set aside until ready to cook. (If you're stuffing the peppers more than 30 minutes before grilling, cover and refrigerate them. Let peppers sit at room temperature at least 30 minutes before grilling so that they cook faster and more evenly.).
• Heat a charcoal or gas grill to medium heat (about 350°). Once the grill is heated, place stuffed peppers on their sides and close the lid. Roll each pepper a quarter turn every 7 minutes or so to cook all four sides. The peppers are finished once the filling is hot, the skins are well-charred, and the flesh is soft to the touch, about 30 minutes. If serving as a side dish, slice peppers in half lengthwise and place over prepared "red sauce", if desired.
• Optional Red Sauce: In a small sauce pan add 1 chopped tomato, 1 tablespoon of cilantro, 3 pinches kosher salt, 1 pinch black pepper, 1 T white wine vinegar, 1/4 cup water and 1/2 teaspoon sugar. Bring to a boil for about 4 to 5 minutes. Next seed and chop 1 medium red bell pepper. Lastly, add the heated tomato mixture and the raw red pepper to a blender and pureed until smooth. Salt and pepper to taste. Pour on the bottom of the plate and place stuffed poblano on top.
• Note: How to microwave basmatic rice: Place 1 cup rice and 2 cups water in a microwave safe round 2 quart bowl with lid. Cook covered on high for 5 minutes. Reduce power setting to 50% and cook an additional 15 minutes. Let sit a few minutes, then remove lid and fluff with fork.