Queso Fundido

Method

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1. Char the poblanos directly over a flame or under a hot grill for 10 minutes, turning, until blackened all over.

   Mark done Start 10 min timer

2. Steam them in a covered bowl for 10 minutes, then peel, deseed and cut into strips (rajas).

   Mark done Start 10 min timer

3. Heat the oven to 220°C / 430°F.

   Mark done

4. Fry the chorizo in a cast-iron skillet over medium heat for 8 minutes until crisp and well rendered. Lift out with a slotted spoon and pour off all but a tablespoon of the fat.

   Mark done Start 8 min timer

5. Fry the onion in that fat for 5 minutes until soft, add the garlic for 30 seconds, then the poblano strips.

   Mark done Start 5 min timer

6. Deglaze with the tequila if using and let it evaporate completely.

   Mark done

7. Take the pan off the heat and mix the cheeses together. Scatter half into the skillet, then the chorizo and vegetables, then the rest of the cheese.

   Mark done

8. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the cheese is fully molten and bubbling with a few golden patches.

   Mark done Start 8 min timer

9. Scatter with tomato and coriander and carry the skillet straight to the table with the warm tortillas.

   Mark done

Chef’s Tips

• This dish is only good while it is molten. Serve it the moment it comes out of the oven.
• Mexican chorizo is soft and raw, unlike the Spanish cured sausage. If you only have Spanish chorizo, dice it and render it more gently.
• Do not use pre-shredded cheese. The starch coating prevents the smooth melt this dish depends on.

Common Substitutions & Variations

• A pinch of dried chilli flakes works in place of fresh chilli — start with about a third of the quantity the chillies in the list implies, since dried chilli is more concentrated, and add more to taste.
• An eighth of a teaspoon of garlic powder per clove is the usual stand-in when you are out of fresh garlic — it will not caramelise the same way, but it carries the flavour.
• A dry vermouth keeps for longer than an open bottle of white wine and is the closer swap than a random white left in the fridge; for an alcohol-free version, use the same amount of stock with a squeeze of lemon.

Pairing Suggestions

• Warm corn tortillas, for scooping
• A cold beer or a tequila neat
• Salsa verde and pickled jalapeños

Storage & Reheating

Eat immediately — melted cheese sets solid within minutes and cannot be revived. Prepare the components ahead if entertaining.

Common questions

Nutritional Highlights

Per serving, calculated from the ingredient list. Treat these as an estimate — brands and cuts vary.