Chile Rellenos is a classic Mexican dish that translates to “stuffed peppers.” It features roasted poblano peppers filled with cheese, coated in a fluffy egg batter, and fried until golden and crispy. This vegetarian dish is popular in Mexican cuisine for its rich flavors and comforting appeal. Follow this simple recipe to learn how to make delicious Chile Rellenos at home.
Ingredients for Chile Rellenos:
- 6 large poblano peppers
- 8 oz (225g) Oaxaca cheese or Monterey Jack cheese, cut into strips
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 6 large eggs, separated
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Salsa, for serving
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
How to Make Chile Rellenos:
- Preheat the broiler in your oven. Place the poblano peppers on a baking sheet and broil, turning occasionally, until the skins are charred and blistered, about 10-15 minutes. Transfer the peppers to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let them steam for about 10 minutes.
- Carefully peel off the charred skin from the peppers. Make a small slit lengthwise in each pepper and remove the seeds and membranes, being careful not to tear the peppers.
- Stuff each pepper with strips of cheese, then carefully fold the pepper closed around the cheese.
- In a medium bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. In another bowl, beat the egg yolks with the salt until thick and pale yellow. Gently fold the egg yolks into the beaten egg whites.
- Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
- Dredge each stuffed pepper in flour, shaking off any excess. Dip the peppers into the egg batter, coating them completely.
- Fry the peppers in the hot oil, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy, about 5 minutes per side. Remove the peppers from the oil and drain on paper towels.
- Serve the Chile Rellenos hot, topped with salsa and garnished with fresh cilantro.
About the Main Ingredients:
- Poblano Peppers: Poblano peppers are mild chili peppers that are large and heart-shaped. They are perfect for stuffing due to their size and mild flavor, which complements the cheesy filling.
- Oaxaca Cheese or Monterey Jack Cheese: These cheeses are popular choices for stuffing Chile Rellenos due to their melting properties and mild flavor. They add a creamy texture and rich flavor to the dish.
- Eggs: Eggs are used to create the fluffy batter that coats the stuffed peppers before frying. The egg whites are beaten until stiff peaks form to create a light and airy batter.
- Salsa: Salsa is a traditional topping for Chile Rellenos and adds a fresh and tangy flavor to the dish. You can use store-bought salsa or make your own with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice.
Chile Rellenos are a delicious and satisfying vegetarian dish that is perfect for a comforting meal. Serve them with rice and beans for a complete and hearty Mexican meal.
