Description
Bring the flavors of Mexico to your kitchen with this Chile Rellenos recipe. Smoky roasted poblano peppers are stuffed with gooey cheese, coated in a fluffy batter, and fried to golden perfection. Served with a vibrant salsa roja, this dish is the ultimate comfort food that’s guaranteed to impress your taste buds and dinner guests alike!
Ingredients
For the Salsa Roja:
- 6 Roma tomatoes, quartered
- ½ small yellow onion, quartered
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 jalapeño, stem and seeds removed
- 5 sprigs cilantro
- Sea salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste
For the Chile Rellenos:
- 4 large poblano peppers
- 6 ounces Oaxaca cheese, cut into strips (Monterey Jack can be substituted)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- ⅓ cup flour
- Sea salt, to taste
- 3 large eggs
For Serving:
-
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Cotija cheese, crumbled
- Lime wedges
- Sour cream (optional)
- Hot sauce (optional)
Instructions
Make the Salsa Roja:
-
- Blend the tomatoes, onion, garlic, jalapeño, and cilantro until smooth.
- Heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the puree and bring to a boil. Season with salt and pepper, reduce the heat, and simmer while you prepare the chile rellenos.
- Prepare the Poblanos:
- Preheat your oven to broil and line a baking sheet with foil.
- Place the poblanos on the sheet and broil for 3–4 minutes per side, or until the skin is blackened and blistered.
- Transfer the peppers to a ziplock bag, seal, and let them steam for 5–7 minutes.
- Peel off the charred skin, cut a small slit in each pepper, and remove the seeds.
- Stuff the Peppers:
- Carefully stuff each pepper with strips of Oaxaca cheese. Seal the opening with toothpicks.
- Prepare the Batter:
- Separate the egg whites and yolks into two bowls. Beat the whites with a mixer until stiff peaks form.
- While beating on low, add the yolks one at a time until fully combined.
- Coat the Peppers:
- Place the flour on a plate and season with a pinch of salt.
- Lightly dredge each stuffed pepper in the flour, shaking off the excess. Dip the floured peppers into the egg batter, ensuring they’re fully coated.
- Fry the Chile Rellenos:
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or saucepan over medium-high heat. Test the oil with a small piece of batter—it should sizzle immediately.
- Fry the peppers one at a time, cooking for 3–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
- Remove and place on a paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain excess oil.
- Serve:
- Place each chile relleno on a plate and spoon warm salsa roja over the top. Garnish with chopped cilantro, crumbled Cotija cheese, and a squeeze of lime. Serve with sour cream and hot sauce if desired.
Notes
- Roasting Tips: Rotate the peppers under the broiler to ensure even charring.
- Cheese Options: If Oaxaca cheese isn’t available, use Monterey Jack or mozzarella for similar results.
- Make Ahead: Roast and stuff the peppers ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to fry.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican