Chile Rellenos

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Chile Rellenos: A Classic Mexican Comfort Dish

There’s something undeniably satisfying about biting into a perfectly crispy, golden-battered Chile Relleno filled with melty cheese. This dish, a staple of Mexican cuisine, brings together smoky roasted poblano peppers, gooey cheese, and a light, airy beer batter. Whether served with a tangy tomato sauce or enjoyed on their own, Chile Rellenos deliver comfort and flavor in every bite.

Why You’ll Love Chile Rellenos

  • Classic Flavors: Smoky poblanos, creamy cheese, and savory batter come together beautifully.
  • Customizable: Fill with cheese or add shredded meat, beans, or veggies for a twist.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners, celebrations, or whenever you crave authentic Mexican comfort food.

Ingredients

For the Chiles

  • 6 poblano chiles
  • 8 oz Oaxacan-style string cheese, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack

For the Batter

  • 1½ cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dredging
  • 1½ tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp fine salt, plus more for sprinkling
  • 1 (12 oz) bottle or can of lager-style beer
  • Vegetable oil, for deep-frying

Mexican Tomato Sauce (Optional)

  • 2 lbs ripe tomatoes, cored and roughly chopped
  • ¼ medium yellow onion
  • 6 garlic cloves
  • 5 fresh cilantro sprigs
  • 1 serrano chile, with seeds
  • 1 tbsp kosher salt
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon (preferably Mexican)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chiles

  1. Broil the Poblanos:
    • Preheat the broiler and position the rack at the top.
    • Place the poblano chiles on a foil-lined baking sheet and broil, turning occasionally, until charred on all sides (about 10 minutes).
  2. Steam and Peel:
    • Transfer the charred chiles to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a lid, and let them steam for 10 minutes. Once cooled, rub off the charred skin with your fingers or a paper towel.
  3. Stuff the Chiles:
    • Make a small lengthwise slit in each chile to create a pocket. Remove the seeds and membranes.
    • Cut the cheese into slabs and stuff each chile. Secure with a skewer or toothpick if needed.

2. Make the Batter

  1. Mix the Batter:
    • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cumin, and salt. Gradually add the beer, stirring until you have a smooth batter.
  2. Heat the Oil:
    • In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat about 3 inches of oil over medium heat. Use a deep-fry thermometer to bring the oil to 365°F.

3. Fry the Chiles

  1. Dredge and Batter:
    • Lightly coat each chile in flour, shaking off the excess. Dip into the beer batter, ensuring it’s fully coated.
  2. Fry Until Golden:
    • Carefully lower each chile into the hot oil. Fry in batches, turning occasionally, until golden and crispy (about 2–3 minutes per side).
    • Remove with tongs and drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt while still hot.

4. Optional Mexican Tomato Sauce

  1. Blend the Ingredients:
    • In a blender, combine the tomatoes, onion, garlic, cilantro, serrano chile, salt, and cinnamon. Blend until smooth.
  2. Cook the Sauce:
    • Pour the blended mixture into a saucepan and simmer over medium heat for 15–20 minutes until slightly thickened.

5. Serve and Enjoy

  • Serve the crispy Chile Rellenos immediately, drizzled with the warm Mexican Tomato Sauce if desired. Garnish with fresh cilantro or crumbled queso fresco for an extra touch.

Tips for Perfect Chile Rellenos

  • Roasting Tips: Broiling the chiles is convenient, but for a smokier flavor, roast them over an open flame.
  • Cheese Options: While traditional Oaxacan cheese is ideal, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack work well.
  • Crispier Batter: Ensure your oil is at the right temperature (365°F) to avoid soggy batter.
  • Make Ahead: Prepare the chiles and batter ahead of time, and fry them just before serving.

A Bite of Comfort

Chile Rellenos are more than just a dish—they’re a warm, cheesy hug for your taste buds. Whether paired with a simple side of rice and beans or served as the star of the meal, this classic Mexican recipe is sure to impress.

So grab your poblanos, whip up that batter, and get ready to enjoy one of the most beloved comfort foods in Mexican cuisine.

¡Buen provecho! 🌟 Would you like pairing suggestions or tips for variations? Let me know!

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