Introduction
When it comes to savory Mexican cuisine, Baked Chili Rellanos is a classic dish that never fails to impress. This recipe combines the flavors of roasted poblano peppers, gooey cheese, and a flavorful sauce to create a dish that is both comforting and satisfying. Whether you are looking for a delicious weeknight meal or a dish to serve at your next gathering, Baked Chili Rellanos is sure to be a hit.
One of the best things about this dish is its versatility. You can customize the filling to suit your preferences, whether you prefer a vegetarian option with beans and veggies or a meat lover’s version with ground beef or shredded chicken. The possibilities are endless, making this recipe a go-to for any occasion.
In this article, we will walk you through the ingredients you will need, the steps to prepare this mouthwatering dish, some variations to try out, helpful tips for success, and finally, answer some frequently asked questions to ensure your Baked Chili Rellanos turn out perfectly every time.
Ingredients
Before you begin making Baked Chili Rellanos, gather the following ingredients:
For the Chili Rellanos:
– Fresh poblano peppers
– Monterey Jack or Oaxaca cheese
– All-purpose flour
– Eggs
– Salt
– Vegetable oil
For the Sauce:
– Tomatoes
– Onion
– Garlic
– Chicken or vegetable broth
– Olive oil
– Cumin
– Salt and pepper
For Serving (Optional):
– Fresh cilantro
– Sour cream
– Salsa
– Avocado slices
Steps
Follow these steps to create delicious Baked Chili Rellanos:
1. Roast and Peel the Peppers:
Place the poblano peppers under the broiler until the skins are charred. Remove from the oven, let them cool, and peel off the skins. Make a small slit in each pepper and remove the seeds.
2. Prepare the Filling:
Cut the cheese into strips and stuff each pepper with the cheese. Close the pepper around the cheese and secure with toothpicks.
3. Coat the Peppers:
Dip each pepper in flour, then in beaten eggs mixed with salt. Ensure the peppers are evenly coated.
4. Bake the Peppers:
Place the coated peppers on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
5. Make the Sauce:
In a blender, combine the tomatoes, onion, garlic, broth, cumin, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth. Heat olive oil in a pan, add the sauce, and simmer until thickened.
6. Serve:
Remove the toothpicks from the peppers, place them on a serving plate, and pour the sauce over the top. Garnish with cilantro, sour cream, salsa, and avocado slices if desired.
Variations
Here are some delicious variations to try with your Baked Chili Rellanos:
Cheese Options:
Experiment with different cheeses such as cheddar, queso fresco, or pepper jack for unique flavor combinations.
Protein Additions:
Add cooked ground beef, shredded chicken, or black beans to the filling for a heartier version of this dish.
Spicy Twist:
For a spicier kick, mix chopped jalapenos or chipotle peppers into the cheese filling before stuffing the peppers.
Tips
Follow these tips to ensure your Baked Chili Rellanos turn out perfectly:
Use Fresh Ingredients:
Opt for fresh poblano peppers and high-quality cheese for the best flavor.
Secure the Peppers:
Ensure the cheese-filled peppers are securely closed with toothpicks to prevent the filling from spilling out during baking.
Adjust Seasonings:
Taste the sauce before pouring it over the peppers and adjust the seasonings to suit your preferences.
Conclusion
Baked Chili Rellanos is a delightful Mexican dish that is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. With its flavorful combination of roasted peppers, melted cheese, and savory sauce, this dish offers a satisfying meal option for any occasion. Whether you follow the classic recipe or customize it with your favorite ingredients, Baked Chili Rellanos is a versatile and delicious dish that is sure to impress your family and friends.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Baked Chili Rellanos:
Can I prepare Baked Chili Rellanos ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the peppers and sauce ahead of time and bake them just before serving for a convenient meal option.
Can I freeze Baked Chili Rellanos?
While it is best to enjoy Baked Chili Rellanos fresh, you can freeze them after baking. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven.
What can I serve with Baked Chili Rellanos?
Baked Chili Rellanos pair well with rice, beans, a side salad, or Mexican street corn for a complete and satisfying meal.
“Baked Chili Rellanos Recipe
Baked Chili Rellanos is a classic Mexican dish featuring roasted poblano peppers stuffed with cheese, baked to perfection, and served with a flavorful sauce. This dish is versatile and can be customized with various fillings to suit different preferences.
Ingredients
- 4 fresh poblano peppers
- 8 oz Monterey Jack or Oaxaca cheese
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 tomatoes
- 1 small onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for serving
- Sour cream, for serving
- Salsa, for serving
- Avocado slices, for serving
Directions
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Roast and peel the poblano peppers under the broiler, remove seeds, and stuff each pepper with cheese.
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Coat the stuffed peppers with flour, then dip in beaten eggs mixed with salt.
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Bake the coated peppers until golden brown and cheese is melted.
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Blend tomatoes, onion, garlic, broth, cumin, salt, and pepper for sauce. Simmer in olive oil until thickened.
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Serve by removing toothpicks, placing peppers on a plate, pouring sauce over the top, and garnishing with cilantro, sour cream, salsa, and avocado slices.
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Enjoy your delicious Baked Chili Rellanos!
