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1
Place the rice in a colander or a fine-mesh strainer and rinse under cold water until the water runs clear.
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2
Combine the rice, measured water, and 3/4 teaspoon of the salt in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat.
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3
Cover the pan and reduce the heat to low; cook until the water is completely absorbed, about 10 minutes (the rice will be slightly undercooked).
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4
Remove the lid and set the pan aside to let the rice cool.
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5
Meanwhile, prepare the peppers.
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6
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 youve stuffed the peppersbe careful not to puncture or rip the peppers.
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7
Remove and discard any seeds and membranes from the cap and from the interior; set the peppers aside.
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8
Place the beans in a large bowl.
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9
Using a potato masher or the back of a fork, lightly mash them (some whole beans should remain).
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10
Add the tomatoes, scallions, Cotija, sour cream, cilantro, cumin, measured black pepper, and remaining tablespoon of salt and mix until evenly combined.
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11
Gently mix in the cooled rice.
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12
Taste the mixture and, if necessary, season with more salt and pepper.
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13
(Note that the filling should be quite salty to compensate for there being no salt on the peppers.)
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14
Divide the rice mixture into 6 equal portions.
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15
Stuff each pepper with the filling, replace the caps, and press each cap into the filling.
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16
Pierce 2 toothpicks through each cap and out the sides of each pepper to secure them while in the oven; set aside until ready to cook.
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17
(If youre stuffing the peppers more than 30 minutes before grilling, cover and refrigerate them for up to 4 hours.
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18
Let the peppers sit at room temperature at least 30 minutes before grilling so that they cook faster and more evenly.)
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19
Heat the oven to 425 degrees F and arrange a rack in the middle.
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20
Place the stuffed peppers on their sides on a baking sheet (make sure the peppers arent touching each other).
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21
Bake until the peppers are softened and a little blistered and the filling is heated through, 25 to 30 minutes.
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22
Remove the toothpicks.
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23
If serving as a side dish, slice the peppers in half lengthwise.