Chiles Rellenos


 Cuisine: Mexican  Type: Entree

Chiles Rellenos : Entree in Mexican cuisine - Recipe, Calorie Info, Healthy alternatives & more on EatM3
 Representative image. Recipe yield may differ

 Amounts


 Ingredient
 Amount (g)
Poblano Peppers
6 peppers (360)
Cheese (Such As Queso Oaxaca)
1 cup (240)
Ground Beef
1 pound (454)
Eggs
4 eggs (200)
All Purpose Flour
1 cup (120)
Vegetable Oil
2 cups (480)
Tomatoes
4 medium (400)
Onion
1 medium (110)
Garlic Cloves
2 cloves (10)
Chicken Broth
1 cup (240)
Salt
1 teaspoon (5)
Black Pepper
1 teaspoon (5)
Cumin
1 teaspoon (2)
Oregano
1 teaspoon (2)
 Totals
93 oz (2,628 g)

 Calories 


 Ingredient
 Calories (kcal)
Chiles
50
Cheese
100
Egg
70
Flour
50
Oil
120
Tomato Sauce
30
Onion
40
Garlic
10
Salt
0
Pepper
0
 Totals
470 kcal

 Steps 


1. Preheat your broiler to high heat. Place the chiles on a baking sheet and broil them until the skins are charred and blistered, turning occasionally. This should take about 5-7 minutes.

2. Remove the chiles from the broiler and immediately transfer them to a plastic bag. Seal the bag and let the chiles steam for about 10 minutes. This will make it easier to remove the skins.

3. While the chiles are steaming, prepare the filling of your choice. It can be a traditional cheese filling or any other filling of your preference, such as meat or vegetable stuffing.

4. After 10 minutes, carefully remove the chiles from the bag and peel off the charred skins. Make a small slit lengthwise on each chile and remove the seeds and membranes, being careful not to tear the chiles.

5. Stuff each chile with your chosen filling, making sure to fill them evenly and completely. Gently close the slit to seal the filling inside.

6. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. In another bowl, lightly beat the egg yolks.

7. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan.

8. Dip each stuffed chile into the beaten egg yolks, coating it evenly. Then, carefully place the chile in the skillet, seam-side down.

9. Spoon some of the beaten egg whites over the top of each chile, covering them completely. This will create a fluffy and golden coating.

10. Cook the chiles rellenos for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and the filling is heated through.

11. Once cooked, transfer the chiles rellenos to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

12. Serve the chiles rellenos hot with your favorite salsa or sauce. They can be enjoyed as a main dish or accompanied by rice, beans, and tortillas.

Note: Chiles rellenos are typically served immediately after cooking to maintain their crispiness and texture.

 Substitutions 


Substitutions for Chiles Rellenos in Mexican cuisine:

1. Poblano peppers: Substitute with Anaheim peppers or bell peppers. Adjust the cooking time as bell peppers may require less time to roast and soften.

2. Queso Oaxaca: Substitute with mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese. These cheeses have a similar mild flavor and melt well.

3. Tomatoes: Substitute with canned diced tomatoes or tomato sauce. Adjust the amount according to your taste preference.

4. White onion: Substitute with yellow onion or red onion. The flavor may vary slightly, but it will still work well in the recipe.

5. Garlic: Substitute with garlic powder or granulated garlic. Use 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder for every clove of garlic.

6. Flour: Substitute with cornstarch or gluten-free flour if needed. Use the same quantity as mentioned in the recipe.

7. Eggs: No direct substitute for eggs in this recipe. If you prefer an eggless version, you can omit the egg batter and use a cornmeal or flour coating instead.

8. Vegetable oil: Substitute with any neutral-flavored oil like canola or sunflower oil. Adjust the quantity as needed for frying.

9. Salt: Use any type of salt available, such as table salt or sea salt. Adjust the amount to taste.

10. Black pepper: Substitute with white pepper or red pepper flakes. Use the same quantity as mentioned in the recipe.

Remember to adjust cooking times and techniques as necessary when using substitutions to ensure the best results.

 Pairings 


- Mexican rice
- Refried beans
- Guacamole
- Salsa verde
- Corn tortillas
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
- Mexican crema
- Queso fresco
- Pico de gallo
- Mexican-style grilled corn
- Black beans
- Mexican-style pickled vegetables
- Mexican hot chocolate

 Upgrades 


1. Improve presentation:
- Use a mix of colorful bell peppers for stuffing instead of just one type, such as red, yellow, and green.
- Top the Chiles Rellenos with a drizzle of vibrant homemade salsa or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley.
- Serve the dish on a bed of visually appealing Mexican-style rice or a colorful medley of roasted vegetables.

2. Improve texture/flavor profile:
- Incorporate a variety of cheeses for the filling, such as creamy goat cheese, sharp cheddar, or tangy queso fresco.
- Add a layer of crispy bacon or chorizo to enhance the smoky flavor and provide a contrasting texture.
- Mix in finely diced onions, garlic, and spices like cumin or smoked paprika to boost the overall flavor profile.

3. Elevate with luxurious/premium ingredients:
- Substitute regular ground beef with tender, high-quality steak, such as ribeye or filet mignon, for a more indulgent filling.
- Enhance the sauce by using roasted, peeled, and pureed premium Hatch or Poblano chiles instead of canned or jarred options.
- Garnish with a dollop of rich Mexican crema or a sprinkle of edible gold flakes for a luxurious touch.

Remember, these enhancements are meant to elevate the Chiles Rellenos and add a touch of luxury, making your dining experience truly next-level. Enjoy!

 Diet Restrictions 


1. Opt for lean protein: Use grilled chicken or turkey instead of ground beef or pork for the filling to reduce saturated fat content.

2. Choose whole-grain alternatives: Replace traditional white flour with whole-wheat flour when making the batter for the chiles rellenos to increase fiber content.

3. Reduce sodium intake: Use low-sodium or no-added-salt canned diced tomatoes or tomato sauce for the sauce to lower sodium levels.

4. Go for healthier fats: Instead of deep-frying the chiles rellenos, try baking or air frying them to reduce the amount of added fats.

5. Increase vegetable intake: Add more veggies to the filling, such as spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini, to boost nutritional value and fiber content.

6. Cater to gluten-free diets: Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch in the batter and ensure all ingredients, including the sauce, are gluten-free.

7. Accommodate lactose intolerance: Replace dairy-based cheese with lactose-free cheese or non-dairy alternatives like tofu or vegan cheese.

8. Address vegetarian or vegan preferences: Use plant-based protein sources like black beans, lentils, or tofu as a filling instead of meat.

9. Control spice levels: Adjust the amount of spicy peppers used in the filling to accommodate those with sensitive palates or digestive issues.

10. Consider portion sizes: Serve smaller portions of chiles rellenos to manage calorie intake for individuals watching their weight.

 Healthy Choices 


- Use lean protein such as grilled chicken or turkey instead of ground beef or pork for the filling.
- Opt for low-fat cheese or reduced-fat cheese options to reduce the saturated fat content.
- Bake the chiles instead of frying them to cut down on oil and calories.
- Replace the traditional batter with a light egg wash for a healthier coating.
- Increase the vegetable content by adding diced tomatoes, onions, and spinach to the filling.
- Serve with a side of fresh salsa or pico de gallo instead of heavy sauces to reduce sodium and calorie intake.
- Use whole wheat tortillas or quinoa as a healthier alternative to traditional corn tortillas.
- Add black beans or lentils to the filling for extra fiber and plant-based protein.
- Use a small amount of olive oil or cooking spray when sautéing the filling ingredients instead of using excessive oil.
- Serve with a side of mixed greens or a colorful salad to increase the nutrient density of the meal.

 Shortcuts 


1. Use canned whole green chiles instead of fresh ones to save time on roasting and peeling.
2. Opt for shredded cheese instead of stuffing the chiles with whole cheese for easier and quicker preparation.
3. Consider using a premade batter mix instead of making it from scratch to save time and effort.
4. Use a non-stick skillet or baking dish to avoid the need for excessive oil, reducing cost and cooking time.
5. Substitute ground beef or chicken for more expensive meats like steak or seafood without compromising flavor.
6. Prepare a large batch of chiles rellenos and freeze the extras for later use, saving time on future meal preparation.
7. Utilize store-bought salsa or enchilada sauce instead of making it from scratch to save time and ingredients.
8. Experiment with alternative fillings like beans, corn, or mushrooms to reduce the cost of using meat or cheese.
9. Skip the traditional step of dipping the chiles in egg batter and instead use a thin layer of breadcrumbs for a quicker coating.
10. Serve chiles rellenos with a simple side dish like rice and beans to make the meal more filling and cost-effective.