Chile relleno

Chile Rellenos

Jalapeños

Chile Relleno casserole

Chile relleno (Spanish for "stuffed chile") is a traditional dish in Mexican cuisine that originated in the city of Puebla. The dish consists of a roasted and peeled poblano pepper that is stuffed with various ingredients, typically cheese or picadillo, and then coated in an egg batter and fried.

History

The chile relleno dates back to the 16th century, following the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire. The dish is believed to have been created by nuns in the city of Puebla, who combined indigenous ingredients with Spanish cooking techniques. The original recipe used poblano peppers, which are native to the region.

Ingredients

The primary ingredient in a chile relleno is the poblano pepper, which is known for its mild heat and rich flavor. The pepper is typically roasted to remove the skin, then stuffed with a filling. Common fillings include:

• Cheese: Often queso fresco or Monterey Jack.
• Picadillo: A mixture of ground meat, usually beef or pork, with tomatoes, raisins, nuts, and spices.

Preparation

The preparation of chile relleno involves several steps: 1. Roasting the Peppers: The poblano peppers are roasted over an open flame or under a broiler until the skin is charred. The charred skin is then peeled off. 2. Stuffing the Peppers: The roasted peppers are slit open and the seeds are removed. The peppers are then stuffed with the chosen filling. 3. Battering and Frying: The stuffed peppers are dipped in an egg batter and then fried until golden brown.

Variations

There are several regional variations of chile relleno:

• In New Mexico, the dish is often made with Hatch chiles and may be served with a red chile or green chile sauce.
• In California, the dish may be stuffed with a wider variety of ingredients, including seafood or vegetables.

Serving

Chile relleno is typically served with a tomato-based sauce and accompanied by rice and beans. It is a popular dish during celebrations and holidays, particularly during Cinco de Mayo and Mexican Independence Day.

Related Pages

• Mexican cuisine
• Poblano pepper
• Picadillo
• Queso fresco
• Hatch chile
• Cinco de Mayo
• Mexican Independence Day