Poblano Chili Rellenos Recipe – Baked Cheese Stuffed Chilies
Introduction
Poblano Chili Rellenos is a mouthwatering Mexican appetizer that brings together the rich flavors of roasted chilies, a savory cheese stuffing, and a tangy homemade tomato sauce. These cheese-stuffed chilies are baked to perfection, ensuring a crispy exterior while keeping the filling soft and gooey inside. It’s an ideal vegetarian dish that’s sure to be a hit at your next gathering, whether you’re serving it as a starter or as part of a festive Mexican meal.
Perfectly paired with Mexican Vegetarian Bean & Cheese Enchiladas and a decadent Tres Leches Cake for dessert, this dish offers a satisfying taste of authentic Mexican cuisine with a vegetarian twist. Let’s dive into how to prepare these irresistible baked Poblano chili rellenos.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Poblano Chilies (or Bajji Chillis or Green Bell Peppers) | 4 Poblano Chilies (or 6 large Bajji chilies or green bell peppers) |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 1 tbsp |
| Onion | 1, finely chopped |
| Garlic | 2 cloves, minced |
| Cheddar Cheese (or Paneer) | 1 cup, grated |
| Dried Thyme Leaves | 1 tsp |
| Black Pepper Powder | 1 tsp |
| Tarragon | ¼ tsp |
| Dried Oregano | ½ tsp |
| Gram Flour (Besan) | 2 tbsp |
| Whole Egg | 1 |
| Tomatoes | 3, boiled |
| Garlic | 2 cloves |
| Tomato Ketchup | 1 tbsp |
| Sugar | 1 tsp |
| Red Chili Flakes | 1 tbsp |
| Dried Oregano | 1 tsp |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Instructions
Step 1: Roast the Poblano Chilies
Begin by roasting the Poblano chilies (or Bajji chilies, or green bell peppers if you prefer a milder flavor). Place the chilies directly on the stovetop flame, using tongs to turn them carefully, ensuring they char evenly. Roast the chilies until the skin turns blackened with charred marks, indicating they are ready. Once done, remove them from the heat and set them aside to cool.
Once the chilies have cooled, carefully peel off the charred skin. Be gentle to avoid tearing the flesh of the chilies. After peeling, slit each chili vertically, making a deep cut halfway down, and remove the seeds. Set the chilies aside for stuffing.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Filling
In a medium-sized pan, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan and sauté them until the onions become soft and translucent.
In a separate large mixing bowl, combine the grated cheddar cheese (or paneer for a milder taste), dried thyme leaves, black pepper powder, tarragon, and dried oregano. Add the sautéed onions and garlic mixture to the bowl and stir everything together. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your preference.
Step 3: Stuff the Chilies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil.
Take each roasted and slit chili and carefully stuff them with the cheese mixture, making sure to fill them generously with the prepared stuffing. The stuffed chilies should be well-packed with the flavorful cheese mixture.
Step 4: Prepare the Coating
In a separate small bowl, beat the gram flour (besan) and whole egg together until the mixture forms a thick paste. This will act as a binding agent for the outer coating of the chili rellenos.
Step 5: Coat and Bake
Dip each stuffed chili into the gram flour and egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. After dipping, coat the chilies with a layer of breadcrumbs for extra crunch and texture. Arrange the coated chilies on the prepared baking sheet.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the chilies for 15–20 minutes or until the cheese inside has melted and the outer coating turns golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on the chilies to make sure they don’t overcook or burn.
Step 6: Prepare the Tomato Sauce
While the chilies are baking, it’s time to prepare the tomato sauce. Pressure cook the three tomatoes with a little water for about 2 whistles. Afterward, peel off the skin and blend the tomatoes along with the garlic to a smooth paste using a blender or food processor.
Transfer the tomato paste into a saucepan and add the tomato ketchup, sugar, red chili flakes, dried oregano, and a cup of water. Bring the mixture to a boil and simmer it for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more sugar or chili flakes depending on your flavor preference.
Step 7: Serve the Dish
Once the chili rellenos are done baking, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a serving plate. Generously pour the prepared tomato sauce over the baked chilies and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for an added burst of flavor and color.
Tips for the Perfect Chili Rellenos
- Chili Choice: Poblano chilies have a mild, earthy heat that is perfect for stuffing. If you want a spicier dish, consider using more hot varieties of peppers like jalapeños or serranos.
- Cheese Variations: While cheddar is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of different cheeses for a richer flavor profile.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the stuffed chilies ahead of time and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. This makes the recipe even more convenient for weeknight meals or parties.
- Sauce Variation: For a different twist, you could replace the tomato sauce with a creamy cilantro-lime sauce or a smoky chipotle salsa for added depth of flavor.
Serve With
These Poblano Chili Rellenos are best served with a side of Mexican Vegetarian Bean & Cheese Enchiladas and finished off with a slice of Tres Leches Cake for dessert. The flavors of the stuffed chilies pair wonderfully with the hearty, cheesy enchiladas and the light, sweet milk cake that follows.
Conclusion
This Poblano Chili Rellenos recipe combines the bold flavors of roasted chilies with a creamy cheese filling and a zesty tomato sauce that’ll surely delight your taste buds. It’s a crowd-pleasing, vegetarian dish that embodies the vibrant, flavorful spirit of Mexican cuisine. Whether you’re hosting a Mexican-themed dinner or just craving something comforting, this dish will surely satisfy. Enjoy!
