Baked Chili Rellenos Recipe
Baked Chili Rellenos recipe is a delectable and satisfying Mexican-inspired dish that features a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
This recipe is a healthier take on the traditional Chili Rellenos, which are typically deep-fried in oil.
In this version, we opt for a baked method to create a more nutritious and lighter meal without sacrificing the rich, indulgent taste that Chili Rellenos is known for.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Rich, Authentic Flavors: This recipe captures the essence of Mexican cuisine with its combination of roasted chilies, a savory cheese filling, and a flavorful homemade sauce. The blend of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and cotija cheeses offers a creamy, tangy richness that complements the mild heat of the chilies.
Smoky and Aromatic: Roasting the Anaheim or Pasillas chilies adds a smoky depth that enhances the overall flavor of the dish. The aromatic sauce, made with tomatoes, green chilies, and spices, infuses the rellenos with a rich, savory taste that lingers on the palate.
Comforting and Satisfying: With its warm, gooey cheese filling and a topping of bubbling, golden-brown cheese, this dish offers the ultimate in comfort food. It’s perfect for cozy dinners and will satisfy anyone craving a hearty, flavorful meal.
Versatile and Adaptable: This recipe can easily be adapted to suit personal tastes. You can adjust the level of spice by choosing different types of chilies, or even add ingredients like cooked meat or beans to the cheese filling for added heartiness.
Easy to Prepare: By opting for a baked method rather than frying, this recipe simplifies the cooking process while still delivering delicious results. It’s an approachable dish for home cooks of all skill levels.
Visually Appealing: The vibrant colors of the roasted chilies, combined with the bubbling cheese and rich sauce, create an enticing presentation that is sure to impress guests and family alike.
Key Ingredients:
Anaheim or Pasillas Chilies: These large, mild chilies are perfect for stuffing, offering a subtle heat and sweet, smoky flavor once roasted, which forms the foundation of the dish.
Cheese Blend (Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Cotija): This combination of cheeses provides a rich, creamy filling with a balance of tangy, sharp, and slightly salty flavors, melting beautifully inside the roasted chilies.
Tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes serve as the base for the chili relleno sauce, adding a fresh, slightly acidic note that complements the richness of the cheese.
Diced Green Chilies: These add an extra layer of mild heat and flavor to the sauce, enhancing the overall depth of the dish.
Oregano and Garlic: These aromatic spices infuse the sauce with earthy, savory notes, enhancing the authentic Mexican flavor profile of the rellenos.
Baked Chili Rellenos Recipe
Ingredients
4 large Anaheim or Pasillas chilies
2 cups cheese (blend of cheddar, monterey jack, and cotija cheeses)
Chili Relleno Sauce
Ingredients
1/2 cup tomatoes crushed
1 can diced green chilies
1/4 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon oregano
2 cloves garlic, crushed and minced
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 cup onions, diced
Instructions for Baked Chili Rellenos Recipe
Roast chili rellenos (grill or broil method) and gently remove the skins.
Slice chilies down the middle and open for stuffing.
Fill each chili with cheese mixture reserving some for the topping.
Turn the chili rellenos over, stuffed side down.
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
Prepare sauce by combining all ingredients in a small saucepan, bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes to combine flavors.
Pour sauce over the rellenos, top with remaining cheese, and bake for 25 minutes until lightly brown and bubbly.
Enjoy !!
Notes:
Healthier Alternative: This recipe offers a healthier twist on traditional Chili Rellenos by baking instead of deep-frying, reducing the oil content while maintaining flavor.
Versatile Chilies: Anaheim or Pasilla chilies are recommended for their mild flavor, but you can experiment with other types like poblano or bell peppers based on personal preference.
Roasting and Peeling Chilies: The method for roasting and peeling chilies is crucial for achieving the desired texture. The recipe provides detailed instructions for this step.
Customizable Sauce: The sauce’s spiciness can be adjusted according to taste preferences by altering the amount of green chilies or adding additional spices like crushed red pepper flakes.
Stovetop Cooking Option: While the recipe calls for baking, an alternative stovetop method is provided for those who prefer not to use the oven.
Health-Conscious Modifications: Suggestions are offered to make the dish even healthier, such as using low-sodium chicken broth, reduced-fat cheese, and incorporating more vegetables.
Additional Recipe Ideas: The recipe includes links to other Chili Rellenos variations, providing options for those looking to explore different flavors and preparations.
Serving Suggestions: Recommendations for serving the dish with side dishes like steamed vegetables, salad, or brown rice are provided to balance the meal and increase nutritional value.
Nutrition Information:
YIELD: 4 SERVING SIZE: 1
Amount Per Serving: CALORIES: 380 | TOTAL FAT: 26g | SATURATED FAT: 15g | TRANS FAT: 0g | UNSATURATED FAT: 9g | CHOLESTEROL: 75mg | SODIUM: 950mg | CARBOHYDRATES: 18g | FIBER: 4g | SUGAR: 5g | PROTEIN: 20g
Frequently Asked Questions:
What type of chilies are best for Baked Chili Rellenos Recipe?
Anaheim or Pasilla chilies are commonly used for Chili Rellenos due to their size and mild flavor.
However, you can experiment with other chilies such as poblano peppers or even bell peppers for a milder flavor.
Just ensure the chilies are large enough to stuff and have a suitable heat level for your taste preference.
How do I roast and peel the chilies for this recipe?
Roasting chilies can be done using a grill, broiler, or stovetop gas flame.
Place the chilies directly over the flame or under the broiler and turn them occasionally until the skin is charred and blistered on all sides.
Once charred, place the chilies in a bowl and cover with plastic wrap or a lid, letting them steam for about 10 minutes.
After they have steamed, gently rub off the charred skin using your fingers or a paper towel. Be careful not to tear the chilies while removing the skin.
Can I make the sauce spicier or milder?
The spiciness of the sauce can be adjusted to your preference.
To make it spicier, add more diced green chilies, crushed red pepper flakes, or hot sauce.
To make it milder, use a milder variety of green chilies or reduce the quantity of green chilies in the sauce recipe.
Can I prepare the dish without using the oven?
If you prefer not to use an oven, you can cook Baked Chili Rellenos on the stovetop.
After stuffing the chilies, heat a skillet with a small amount of oil over medium heat.
Add the stuffed chilies, stuffed side down, and cook until browned on both sides.
Then pour the sauce over the chilies, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the chilies are cooked through.
How can I make this dish healthier?
To make Baked Chili Rellenos recipe from belaya.info healthier, consider using low-sodium chicken broth, reduced-fat cheese, and whole wheat flour (if you choose to batter the chilies).
You can also add more vegetables to the stuffing or sauce, such as corn, zucchini, or spinach.
Additionally, serving the dish with a side of steamed vegetables, a salad, or brown rice can help balance out the meal and add more nutrients.