Step 1

• In a small pot, combine rice, ¾ cup water (1½ cups for 4 servings), and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce to a low simmer. Cook until rice is tender, 15-18 minutes. • Keep covered off heat until ready to serve.

Step 2

• While rice cooks, wash and dry produce. • Finely dice tomato. Halve, peel, and cut onion into ½-inch-thick wedges; mince one wedge until you have 1 TBSP (2 TBSP for 4 servings). Zest and quarter lemon. Core, deseed, and dice poblano into ½-inch pieces. Mince cilantro.

Step 3

• In a small bowl, combine tomato, minced onion, and a big squeeze of lemon juice. Season with salt. • Add smoky red pepper crema to a separate small bowl. Stir in water 1 tsp at a time until mixture reaches a drizzling consistency.

Step 4

• Heat a drizzle of oil in a medium pan (use a large pan for 4 servings) over medium-high heat. Add poblano and onion wedges. Season with salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly charred, 7-9 minutes. • Transfer to a plate.

Step 5

• Heat a drizzle of oil in same pan over medium-high heat. Add pork* and a big pinch of salt. Cook, breaking up meat into pieces, until browned, 4-6 minutes. • Stir in Tex-Mex paste and ¼ cup water (1/3 cup for 4 servings) until combined. Bring to a simmer and cook until mixture is saucy and pork is cooked through, 1-2 minutes more.

Step 6

• Fluff rice with a fork; stir in lemon zest and half the cilantro. Season with salt and pepper. TIP: Stir in 1 TBSP butter (2 TBSP for 4 servings) for extra richness. • Divide rice between bowls and top with veggies, pork, salsa, crema, remaining cilantro, and any remaining sauce from pan. Serve with remaining lemon wedges on the side.