Poblano Rice with Vegetables

If using fresh poblano or Anaheim peppers, halve them lengthwise; remove stems, seeds, and membranes. Place peppers, cut side down, on a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake in a 425 degree F oven for about 20 minutes or until skins are blistered and dark. Remove from baking sheet; immediately cover tightly with foil. Let stand 30 minutes to steam. With a knife, remove skin from peppers, pulling off in strips; discard skin. Finely chop roasted peppers.

Meanwhile, rinse the corn in cool water to partially thaw; drain well. Place corn and milk in a blender container or food processor bowl. Cover and blend or process until nearly smooth. Set the corn mixture aside.

In a large skillet cook and stir rice in hot oil over medium-high heat for 2 to 3 minutes or until rice is lightly browned.

Carefully stir in chopped roasted peppers or canned chili peppers, corn puree, chicken broth, onion, chayote or zucchini, carrot, garlic, and bay leaf. Bring to boiling. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, about 20 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Remove bay leaf. Makes 5 cups (6 side-dish servings).