Baked Chili Rellanos

When it comes to authentic Mexican cuisine, few dishes evoke the same warmth, spice, and satisfaction as baked chili rellenos. With their perfectly roasted chilies stuffed with a savory blend of cheeses and drenched in a bold, homemade sauce, chili rellenos deliver bold flavors in every bite. In this comprehensive guide, we take you through a step-by-step process to prepare a restaurant-quality baked chili relleno at home using fresh ingredients and traditional techniques. Let’s dive into this rich culinary experience.

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🧀 Ingredients You’ll Need for Baked Chili Rellenos

Below is a breakdown of the ingredients required for both the stuffed chilies and the homemade sauce that elevates this dish to gourmet status.

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Ingredient Quantity
Anaheim or Pasilla Chilies 4 large
Cheese Blend (Cheddar, Jack, Cotija) 2 cups (shredded)
FOR THE SAUCE:
Crushed Tomatoes ½ cup
Diced Green Chilies (canned) 1 can (4 oz)
Chicken Broth ¼ cup
Oregano 1 tablespoon
Garlic (fresh, crushed and minced) 2 cloves
Garlic Powder ½ teaspoon
Onion (finely diced) ½ cup

Step 1: Roasting the Chilies

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Roasting the chilies is essential to develop their smoky flavor and ensure a soft texture for stuffing. You can do this on a gas stovetop, grill, or broiler:

  • Gas Stove Method: Place chilies directly over the flame, turning occasionally until charred and blistered on all sides.

  • Broiler Method: Set oven to broil. Place chilies on a baking sheet and broil, turning every few minutes until blackened and bubbling.

Step 2: Removing the Skins

  • Once roasted, place the chilies in a sealed plastic bag or cover them with a towel for 10 minutes to steam. This loosens the skins.

  • Peel away the skins gently. Avoid tearing the flesh.

Step 3: Slicing and Stuffing

  • Slice each chili down one side, lengthwise.

  • Gently open them and remove the seeds and membranes.

  • Fill each chili with a generous amount of the cheese blend, reserving some for topping.

🍅 Making the Perfect Chili Relleno Sauce

A rich, flavorful sauce is the soul of any great chili relleno. Here’s how to make it:

  1. Sauté Aromatics: In a small saucepan, heat a tablespoon of oil. Add the diced onions and cook until translucent.

  2. Add Garlic: Add both the fresh garlic and garlic powder. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

  3. Combine Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, diced green chilies, chicken broth, and oregano.

  4. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.

🧑‍🍳 Baking the Chili Rellenos to Perfection

  1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).

  2. Arrange Chilies: Place the stuffed chilies in a baking dish, stuffed side down to help retain the cheese.

  3. Pour the Sauce: Evenly pour the prepared sauce over the chilies.

  4. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.

  5. Bake: Bake for 25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

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