Chili Relleno Recipe

Step 1

Slice tomatoes and jalapenos lengthwise. Remove skin from onion, and cut into quarters.

Step 2

Place tomatoes and jalapenos skin side up on a baking sheet with onion and garlic. Place baking tray under broiler and cook for 6-8 minutes until charred. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly.

Step 3

Transfer to a blender or food processor, puree until smooth. Pour into a saucepan, bring to a boil and then simmer 5 minutes. Season with juice from one lime and salt to taste. Set aside, covered.

Step 4

Place poblanos on a baking sheet under an oven broiler until the skins blacken and blister, about 5 minutes per side.

Step 5

Remove pan from oven and cover with a kitchen towel to steam making the skin easier to remove. Peel the charred skin from the roasted poblano peppers.

Step 6

Cut a small slit down the middle of the peppers on one side, careful not to remove the stem. Feel free to remove some of the seeds if preferred (but they are not that hot). Set aside.

Step 7

In a small saute pan heat the oil and add the onion, tomato and season with salt and Mexican oregano. Cook over medium heat until onion is translucent. Stir in the shredded cheese until melted and set aide.

Step 8

Carefully divide and stuff the peppers with the melted cheese mixture. Gently press the cut sides together. I do not seal with toothpicks.

Step 9

Place 1/2 cup or more flour on a tray or large shallow dish. Gently coat each stuffed chile on all sides with flour and gently shake off excess. Repeat with all and set aside on tray.

Step 10

Heat the oil in a large saucepan or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Line a baking tray with paper towels and set aside.

Step 11

Be sure eggs are room temperature for maximum volume when beating. Separate the whites into a large mixing bowl and place the yolks into a small bowl, mix with fork. Using an electric hand mixer, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.

Step 12

Next, beat the egg whites on low, adding in the egg yolks a little at a time until all of them are fully mixed in. The batter should be light, fluffy and pale yellow. Sprinkle the 1/4 cup flour and salt on top and using a spatula, gently fold in until batter is smooth and flour incorporated.

Step 13

Dip each floured chile in the egg batter and gently place them in the hot frying oil, two at a time. Fry the peppers for 3-5 minutes per side, until the batter is golden brown and crispy.

Step 14

Transfer the peppers to the lined baking sheet to drain excess oil.

Step 15

Spoon some roasted red salsa on each plate, top with a chile relleno, more sauce, crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese and freshly chopped cilantro.