FRESH AJI AMARILLO PEPPERS RECIPES

Steps:

• Mix the poolish ingredients in a medium bowl by hand or wooden spoon. Cover and let rise for 2 hours.
• Add all of the dough ingredients to the bowl of a stand mixer and mix on second speed for about 7 minutes, until fully mixed.
• Cover the bowl and let the dough rise for one hour.
• Heat the oven to 480 degrees F with one rack on the lowest level and one rack in the middle.
• While the dough is rising, cook the chopped onions in a skillet over medium low heat until softened and just lightly browned on the edges. Let cool in the pan off heat.
• Oil two 9-inch cake pans or one half sheet pan very generously with olive oil (about 2 to 3 tablespoons per pan). If you are using two pans, divide the dough in half and place each half in a cake pan. Otherwise, place all of the dough into the half sheet pan. Dip your fingertips in olive oil and press the dough to stretch it out to fill the pans. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise for one more hour.
• Sprinkle the chopped anchovies over the risen dough. Spread the ricotta and Italian herb mixture over the top of the dough.
• Spread the cooled onion mixture over the ricotta. Spread the mozzarella and/or Fontina cheeses over the onions.
• Toss the breadcrumb layer ingredients together and sprinkle them over the sliced cheeses.
• Bake the breads on the lowest rack for 10 minutes. Move the pans to the middle rack and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, until the bread is crispy and reaches 195 degrees F.
• Let the bread cool in the pans for about 5 to 10 minutes and then remove the bread from the pans to a wire rack.
• Slice and serve.
• Reheat leftovers at 325 degrees F in foil for 10 to 15 minutes.

Steps:

• Prepare the adobo by whisking the ingredients together in a bowl, or blending in a small food processor, pilón or mortar and pestle.
• Pat the chicken dry, then place in a large bowl or zip-top bag. Pour prepared adobo over chicken. Toss well to combine, then cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap, or seal the bag, and let the chicken rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. If you have the time, marinate for several hours or overnight to make the chicken extra tender and flavorful.
• Prepare the sofrito: In a large food processor or blender, blend the peppers and garlic until smooth. Add the onion and blend until smooth, then add the culantro and cilantro and blend until smooth. (The preparation may produce more sofrito than needed for this recipe, but you can store additional sofrito in the fridge for up to 1 week, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.)
• Add the rice to a medium bowl, then rinse with several rounds of cool water, pouring through a fine-mesh strainer until water runs out clear.
• Once chicken is marinated, heat olive oil in a large heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium-high. When the oil is simmering, working in batches if necessary, add chicken in one layer and brown for 7 to 10 minutes per batch, turning several times to evenly brown.
• Meanwhile, bring chicken broth (or water) to a boil in a medium saucepan. Reduce to a simmer until ready to use.
• Add sofrito, bay leaves and annatto or paprika to pot with chicken and stir well. Reduce heat to medium, and sauté until liquid is mostly evaporated and sofrito thickens to a paste, about 7 to 10 minutes.
• Add tomato sauce and cook for 3 to 5 minutes longer, until the sauce darkens. Add the rinsed rice, olives and capers (if using), and salt and pepper, and fold in to ensure that the rice is fully coated and the chicken is evenly distributed.
• Pour in hot stock, then simmer, uncovered, over medium heat for about 15 minutes, stirring only 2 to 3 times and shaking the pot every few minutes to keep rice level. (The liquid surrounding the rice will lower by about 1 inch.) Watch the rice very closely: The window between just right and overcooked is small, and difficult to predict, but you’ll become an expert at this over time.
• Once you start to spot lots of little bubbles on the surface but see no more pronounced liquid on top, top with the lid, reduce heat to low and cook until the rice is al dente, about 15 to 20 minutes, shaking pot a few times. Once liquid is almost entirely evaporated, sprinkle thawed peas on top.
• Working directly in the pot, using 2 forks, pull apart chicken thighs until shredded. Gently fluff the rice, bringing grains from the bottom to the top. Return the lid and let rest for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.
• Garnish with lime wedges, and serve with salted avocado and tomato slices (or a simple green salad). The dish keeps well in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days.