Chiles Rellenos

Learn how to make Mexican chiles rellenos at home with this easy video recipe. Chile rellenos are stuffed poblano peppers with cheese or beef, served with a simple homemade tomato salsa.

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Beef picadillo filling recipe at http://hilahcooking.com/making-friends-and-picadillo/

INGREDIENTS

* 4 poblano chiles
* 8 ounces cheese (Asadero, Oaxaca, Monterey jack, Muenster)
* 2 eggs
* 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
* 1/2 large onion, sliced thinly into half-circles
* 1 clove garlic, minced
* 4 cups tomato sauce (1 pound fresh tomatoes pureed, or canned sauce)
* 1 bay leaf
* Salt and Pepper
* Oil for frying (about a 1/2″ deep, 2-3 cups of oil)

INSTRUCTIONS

Wash the peppers well. Roast the peppers over an open flame or under the broiler for about 2 minutes on each side until thoroughly blackened. As each is roasted, place in a large bowl and cover them with a plate. Let them steam together in their own heat while you begin the sauce.

Heat the teaspoon of oil in a saucepan and saute the onions over medium heat for about 5 minutes or until softened and beginning to brown. Add the garlic, tomato, and bay leaf. Stir. Salt and pepper to taste. Bring to boil, then simmer while you prepare the chiles.

By now the peppers should be well-steamed and soft. Gently rub the blackened skins off with a paper towel, you don't want to tear the pepper.
Cut a slit from the stem end down about 2/3 of the way. Use a paring knife to cut out the little cone of seeds under the stem, or leave it in if you like it spicy!

Cut the cheese into 16 rectangles and put two in each pepper. Set aside.
Separate the eggs: whites in a mixing bowl, yolks in a shallow bowl. Lightly beat the yolks. Beat the whites until stiff. Fold the egg whites into the yolks gently to create a fluffy "batter".

Heat the oil in a large skillet until a pepper seed sizzles when tossed in.
Lay a filled pepper into the egg batter, cut side up, and spoon the egg over the top to cover it. Lay it carefully in the hot oil and repeat with the other peppers.

Fry them for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Drain briefly, then serve immediately with the tomato sauce, rice and beans, or lettuce and tomato salad.

Notes
If you are multiplying this recipe and need to hold the peppers after frying, lay them on a rack on a cookie sheet and keep warm in a 200 degree F oven for up to 15 minutes.

Chiles rellenos may also be filled with beef picadillo or shredded chicken.