Authentic Restaurant Quality Chiles Rellenos Food

OLE! AUTHENTIC CHILES RELLENOS

Steps:

• PREPARE the SAUCE: HEAT 1/3 cup corn oil in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat; CHOP 1 medium onion together with 4 cloves of garlic in a food processor; SAUTE the onion and garlic mixture in corn oil until translucent and golden, and almost caramelized. ADD 1/3 cup flour to the saute mixture, until flour is lightly browned (the color of brown mustard); SPREAD the mixture evenly as it cooks. PLACE into the large bowl of a food processor enough fresh ripe Roma tomatoes to yield approximately 1 1/2 cups pureed, and one stem-removed seeded fresh jalapeno pepper; PROCESS both until pureed. SCRAPE the sauteed onion and garlic mixture from saucepan using a flexible spatula into the bowl of the food processor with the tomatoes and jalapeno, submerging the onion and garlic roux into the puree. PROCESS mixture until all ingredients until finely pureed. POUR pureed mixture into the same medium saucepan. STIR into the sauce mixture 5 cups water, 2 teaspoons salt, 1 1/2 teaspoons crushed Mexican oregano (crush between fingers) 1/4 teaspoon finely ground black pepper, and 1 large bay laurel leaf (and 1 pinch ground cinnamon and 1 pinch ground cloves if desired). BRING mixture to boiling while whisking; REDUCE heat to medium and cook for about 45 minutes, or until desired consistency is reached, whisking occasionally. COVER slightly vented so steam can escape; KEEP sauce warm over lowest heat, whisking as needed to refresh consistency until served, or reheat and stir before serving.
• ROAST fresh peppers if not using canned; KEEP stems intact; PLACE under broiler and broil on each side until evenly blistered slightly blackened; IMMEDIATELY place peppers into a large plastic ziplock bag and allow to steam for a few minutes; REMOVE skins from each pepper (they should slide off easily now); CUT a slit lengthwise down the middle or side of each (just big enough to slide in a stick of cheese or a mound of shredded cheese); CUP each pepper with one hand and pour gently running water into slit to flush out seeds.
• SOAK fresh or canned chiles in brine for a few minutes; CUT cheese into 6 long thin sticks (OR) shred cheese then thinly mound and mold 6 portions; REMOVE chiles from brine and blot with paper towels.
• STUFF each chile with one cheese portion then slip into pepper slit (if a chile tears don't worry, flour and egg batter will seal it well enough).
• POUR oil into an electric wok or an electric skillet (or enough oil into deep fryer); SET heat control to 265°F.
• MEASURE flour into a sifter or fine mesh collander; DUST each of the chiles well with flour on all sides and set aside (for torn chiles, apply extra flour at the seam then overlap slightly).
• BEAT egg whites in a medium bowl with one pinch salt, using an electric mixer until stiff peaks form; BEAT egg yolks in another bowl with one tablespoon flour and 3/4 teaspoon salt; ADD yolk mixture all at once to egg whites; FOLD together lightly but thoroughly while keeping the egg mixture fluffy.
• COAT one chile evenly with egg mixture, using rubber spatula if necessary to "frost" chile; HOLD chile by the stem; PLACE place carefully onto the hot oil; REPEAT with the remaining chiles, frying no more than 2 or 3 at a time.
• FRY until golden on all sides, turning once with spatula until done, about 5 minutes total; DRAIN between paper towels (if necessary, rellenos may be individually reheated in a microwave (100% power) for 15-20 seconds).
• SERVE over a pool of warm SAUCE, or top with your favorite pico de gallo or salsa and a dollop of sour cream, and cilantro sprig to garnish; SNAP your fingers and shout,"OLE"!

AUTHENTIC CHILE RELLENOS

Steps:

• Place the chiles directly on the burner of a gas stove until mostly blackened on each side.
• Put the cooked chiles in a plastic vegetable grocery bag for 30 minutes. Toss them around a bit so that the bag doesn't get a hole in it from the heat.
• Peel the blackened skin from the chiles with your fingers. It's not important to get every bit of skin off.
• Slice each chili on one side from stem to bottom.
• Remove most of the seeds and membranes. (If you like them really hot, omit this step).
• Cut the cheese into 1/2 wide slices and as long as the chiles.
• Stuff the cheese into each chile.
• Roll in flour.
• Beat the egg whites until stiff and gently fold in the yolks. (If doubling the recipe make two batches of stiffened egg as the eggs will fall quickly).
• Drop chiles into egg batter and fluff it around them.
• Slide them into1 1/2" deep hot oil, one or two at a time until golden brown and turn to brown the other side.
• Drain on paper towels.
• Serve immediately or bake in oven for 350 degree oven for 15 minutes. If you have a convection oven, use it the feature as it makes them really crispy on the outside.
• Sauce: Combine all ingedients in a saucepan and let simmer until the rellenos are done. Serve on the side or cover the rellenos with it at serving.

CHILES RELLENOS (AUTHENTIC)

Steps:

• Roast chiles 3" under broiler, rotating until charred and blistered, about 3-4 minutes.
• Place chiles in a sealed plastic bag or bowl covered with plastic wrap until cool enough to handle and skin is loose enough to peel.
• Peel off skins under cold running water, then make a small slit three-quarters down length of chile and discard seeds, leaving stem attached.
• Cut cheese in six 3/4 - 1" thick slices slightly smaller than the chiles.
• Stuff each chile with 1 piece of cheese.
• Roll stuffed chiles in flour, shake off excess and set aside.
• In medium size frying pan, melt butter over medium-high heat.
• Add onion and garlic, cook, stirring until golden (about 10 min).
• Add tomato puree and oregano, season to taste with salt.
• Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 15 minutes and keep warm.
• Crispy Egg Coating.
• Seperate 4 eggs.
• In large bowl, whip egg whites with salt until firm peaks form. (make sure they are firm).
• Beat egg yolks until well blended and fold into egg whites.
• Pour oil to a depth of 2-3 inches or so and heat to 425 degrees or med-high.
• Dipp each chile in egg coating and drop into oil and cook about 2 minutes until golden brown on each side, turning once with a fork or spatula.
• Drain on paper towels.
• Top with tomato sauce or enchilada sauce.
• Optional toppings, chopped cilantro, green onions and sour cream.

CHILES RELLENOS

Steps:

• Char the chiles.
• Turn a gas burner on high. Char the chiles on the burner grate, turning with tongs (Marcela is a pro and uses her hands!), until blackened all over. Or char the chiles under the broiler.
• Let them soften.
• Transfer the charred chiles to a heavy-duty resealable plastic bag and close. Let stand 10 minutes. The chiles will steam in the bag, making them soft and easy to peel.
• Remove the skin.
• Gently rub the chiles with paper towels to remove as much skin as possible. It's okay if a few flecks remain-they'll add flavor, so don't rinse them off.
• Open the chiles.
• Using a paring knife, make a slit across the top of a chile just below the stem, leaving the stem intact. Starting from the middle of the slit, slice lengthwise down to the tip of the pepper (cut through only one layer). Open the chile like a book and pull out the seeds and inner membranes. You may need to use a paring knife to loosen the top of the seedpod. Repeat with the remaining chiles.
• Prepare the sauce.
• Puree the tomatoes, onion and garlic in a blender until smooth. Warm the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the tomato puree and simmer 5 minutes, stirring occasionally; the sauce will be broth-y. Season with salt and pepper and keep warm.
• Make the filling.
• Place the cheese in a bowl, then add the oregano, crumbling and rubbing it with your fingers to release its flavor. Season the mixture with salt and pepper.
• Stuff the chiles.
• Fill each chile with about 1/4 cup cheese mixture. Fold in the sides to cover the filling, then thread 2 toothpicks across the seam to form an X. You will probably need to make a second toothpick X to secure each chile so the filling doesn't leak out when you fry.
• Mix the batter.
• Beat the egg whites with a mixer on high speed until soft peaks form. Add the egg yolk and beat 3 more minutes.
• Batter and fry.
• Heat about 1 inch vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat until a deep-fry thermometer registers 375 degrees F.
• Dredge: Pour flour into a shallow dish and season with salt and pepper. One at a time, coat the stuffed chiles with the flour.
• Batter: Holding each chile by the stem, lower it into the egg batter to cover completely. Let any excess batter drip off.
• Fry: Add the chiles to the hot oil, 1 or 2 at a time; fry, flipping once with tongs, until golden, 1 to 2 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
• Eat!
• Place a fried chile on each plate and pour the warm sauce over it. Serve immediately.

AUTHENTIC RESTAURANT QUALITY CHILES RELLENOS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
• Remove visible fat from chicken. Rub chickens pieces with chipotle in adobo, lime juice, olive oil, ground cumin seeds, coriander, and cilantro.
• Place chicken in a baking dish. Bake until done (about 40 - 45 minutes) until cooked through and juices run clear.
• Allow chicken to cool until cool enough to handle. Shred meat, chop well and set aside. Scrape juice remaining in pan onto the shredded meat.
• Roast the chilies by holding over a gas flame with metal tongs until the skin is blistered all over. Chilies can also be broiled in the oven, keeping an eye on them so they won't burn.
• Place blistered chilies in a bowl, cover with plastic wrap and let sit for about 10 - 15 minutes to soften skin. Remove and peel blistered skin from stem end down. It is important to keep peppers intact. Set chilies aside.
• In a skillet, saute corn with scallions in a butter until warm, but not mushy. Turn into bowl and add 1 teaspoons chili powder. Crumble in the feta cheese. Add Monterrey jack, chopped pecans, and chicken. Taste for seasoning and adjust with salt and pepper.
• In a separate bowl, combine ground 1/8 cup ground cumin seeds, chili powder with cornmeal; set aside.
• In another bowl, combine eggs and milk; set aside.
• Slice top rim of the chilies stem end across 3/4 of the way to form a lid. Carefully remove seeds (it's o.k. to let some seeds remain).
• Fill chilies with chicken stuffing, carefully starting at stem end, being careful to keep chilies intact. It's much easier to fill by using your hands as a spoon tends to tear chilies.
• Dip chilies in egg/milk mixture and then roll in cornmeal. Placing chilies on a wax or plastic lined cookie sheet. Refrigerate for 15 minutes or more.
• Heat oil to 375 degrees F. Deep fry the chilies in batches. Drain, keep warm and serve.
• Serve with dollops of sour cream or with sour cream sauce. (Make sour cream sauce by blending sour cream, buttermilk or milk to the right consistency. Add a little chopped cilantro if preferred and I sometimes add grated lime peel and/or sprinkle lime juice to taste. Add a bit of salt if desired).
• NOTE: Toasting cumin seeds and then grinding them adds a smoky intensity. You can use pre-ground cumin, but note that the flavor won't have the same depth and character. I've used both and prefer the toasted seeds. If toasting the seeds, please keep an eye on them as they toast very quickly and just as quickly they burn. Spices can easy be ground in an electric coffee grinder dedicated solely for grinding spices.

CHILES RELLENOS

Steps:

• Preheat the broiler.
• Place the peppers on a baking sheet and broil until the skin is blistered and charred, turning to cook on all sides, 1 to 2 minutes per side. Place the charred peppers in a bowl and cover with plastic wrap to cool for at least 10 minutes. Once cool, remove the skin easily with your hands.
• Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the egg whites to stiff peaks. In a small bowl, mix 2 egg yolks with 1 tablespoon flour and 1/2 teaspoon salt. (Reserve 2 remaining yolks for another use.). Place the remaining flour on a small plate. Mix one-third of the egg whites into the egg yolks, and then gently fold the egg yolk mixture into the remaining egg whites just until incorporated. In a third bowl, mix together the cheese and corn.
• Remove the seeds from the peppers by slicing them open along one side. Slice about two-thirds the length of the pepper, just long enough to remove the seeds with a small spoon. Stuff the peppers with the cheese mixture, squeezing the cheese gently so that it stays together.
• Heat 1 1/2 inches of oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Gently roll the peppers in the flour. (If the cheese and peppers are too warm and are falling apart, place in the freezer for 10 minutes). Coat the peppers in the egg batter by dunking and spooning the batter all around. Lift the pepper, and gently spoon off any excess batter hanging from the bottom. Place in the hot oil and fry until golden, about 3 minutes per side. Place on paper towels to absorb the excess oil. Serve with Chile Relleno Tomato Sauce.
• Add the olive oil to a medium saute pan over medium heat. Then add the onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the cumin, cayenne and garlic, and cook until fragrant, 1 minute longer. Add the chicken stock and the tomatoes with their juice and bring to a boil for 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and cool a few minutes. Mix in the blender for 10 seconds (the sauce will not be smooth). Add the cilantro, vinegar, salt and pepper to taste and pulse just to blend.

CHILES RELLENOS

Steps:

• Insert a strip of cheese into each chile.
• In a medium sized bowl, beat egg whites until they form soft peaks.
• In a small bowl, beat egg yolks slightly.
• Gently fold into egg whites.
• Add 3 tablespoons flour, and fold in just until blended.
• In a heavy saucepan or deep fryer, slowly heat 1 1/2 to 2 inches vegetable oil to 400 degrees.
• Roll the chiles in flour.
• With a large slotted spoon dip the floured chiles into the egg mixture, coating liberally.
• Gently place in hot oil, 2 at a time, and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 3 to 4 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 350.
• In medium saucepan, combine all remaining ingredients except the shredded cheese and sour cream.
• Simmer, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes.
• Place chiles in a 13x9 glass casserole or baking pan.
• Spoon the sauce on top of the chiles.
• Sprinkle the cheddar cheese on top.
• Bake, uncovered, for 20 mintes, until cheese is melted and chiles are heated through.
• Serve with sour cream.

GRILLED CHILES RELLENOS

Steps:

• Cut a slit lengthwise in each chile and carefully scoop out the seeds and ribs.
• In a medium bowl, combine the beans, cheese, raisins, salsa, and chili powder.
• Stuff the peppers with the filling.
• Heat grill to medium.
• Place peppers on grill and cook, turning frequently, until they are soft and the cheese has melted.

TRADITIONAL CHILES RELLENOS

Steps:

• Rinse the chiles.
• Preheat your oven to broil.
• Place the chiles in a 9 x 14 baking dish and place on the top shelf of your oven. (I use a cookie sheet.).
• Watch and listen closely. When the skins start to make popping sounds and to char and turn black in places, take the chiles out and flip them over. Be sure and use a potholder so you don't burn your hands!
• When both sides are fairly evenly charred, remove them from the oven. You don't want them to be black all over, it is important that you do not over cook them.
• Wrap each chile in a moist paper towel or place in a sealed plastic bag to steam.
• After a few minutes, check them. Once the skin comes off easily, peel each chile. Try not to tear into the actual chile.
• Cut a slit almost the full length of each chile. Make a small "t" across the top, by the stem. Pull out fibers and seeds (this is where the heat is) and replace with a slice of cheese. I use a tea spoon for this to gently scrape/scoop the seeds out. It�s ok if you miss a few. You can set these aside, for a few minutes or a few hours if you put them in the refrigerator.
• Whip the egg whites at high speed with an electric mixer, until stiff peaks have formed.
• Heat the oil in a skillet until a drop of water sizzles when dropped into the pan.
• Beat the egg yolks with one tablespoon flour and salt. Mix the yolks into egg whites and stir until you have a thick paste.
• Roll the chiles in 1/4 cup flour and dip each one in the egg batter. Coat evenly (I'm still not very good at this step, but try not to coat the chiles too thickly). Fry, seam side down on both sides until golden brown. Place on paper towels to drain.
• Meanwhile, heat the salsa in a medium saucepan (either one or some of each). Place one or two rellenos on each plate and pour salsa over them. Serve them immediately! I recommend serving them with rice, beans, and tortillas. Sour cream is also good on these.

AUTHENTIC MEXICAN CHILI RELLENOS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven's broiler and set the oven rack at about 6 inches from the heat source. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Place peppers onto the prepared baking sheet, and cook under the preheated broiler until the skin of the peppers has blackened and blistered, about 10 minutes. Turn the peppers often to blacken all sides. Place the blackened peppers into a bowl, and tightly seal with plastic wrap. Allow the peppers to steam as they cool, about 15 minutes.
• Rinse cooled peppers under cold water to peel off the skins, and cut a slit along the long side of each pepper to remove the seeds and core. Rinse the peppers inside and out, and pat dry with paper towels. Stuff the peppers with strips of the cheese.
• Whisk the egg yolks in a bowl with the baking powder. In a second metal bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer until the whites form stiff peaks. Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the yolk mixture. Place flour into a shallow bowl.
• Heat the vegetable shortening in a skillet over medium heat. Roll each stuffed pepper in flour, tap off excess flour, and dip the peppers into the egg mixture to coat both sides. Gently lay the coated peppers into the hot shortening. Fry peppers until lightly golden brown and the cheese has melted, about 5 minutes per side.

BAKED CORN STUFFED CHILES RELLENOS

Steps:

• ADVANCE prep of the corn and peppers:.
• Preheat grill or broiler to high heat.
• Spray corn with nonstick spray and season to taste with salt and pepper; grill corn (or broil 4" from heat), turning every 2-3 minutes, for 12 minutes or until all kernels are browned.
• Let corn cool and when cool enough to handle, cut off kernels (you will need about 1 1/2 cups).
• Roast the chiles either on the grill or in the broiler, turning every 3 minutes (12 minutes total) or until all the skin is charred.
• Immediately pop the peppers into a large, clean paper bag and roll top to seal.
• Let bag sit 15 minutes- when you open the bag, the skins should have loosened up.
• Let peppers cool down enough to handle and peel off charred skins (while wearing plastic gloves to protect your hands).
• (All of the steps up to this point can be done in advance if needed).
• Preheat oven to 400°F.
• Set aside 6 of the peppers whole, then cut up the remaining 2 peppers, seeding them and cutting them into 1/4" pieces.
• Mix the 2 chopped peppers with the roasted corn.
• Get your bowl or roasted corn kernels and chopped peppers and mix in cheese, scallions, garlic,cilantro,and currants.
• Taste the mixture and add more salt and pepper if needed-it should be highly seasoned.
• Get your reserved 6 whole roasted and skinned chilies and cut a 2" long slit lengthwise making a chilie pouch.
• Scoop out the core and seeds (try not to tear the skin of the pepper), leaving the stem intact.
• Stuff each pepper with the corn mixture.
• Set flour in a shallow bowl, egg in another, cornmeal in a third bowl.
• Dip each chilie into the flour, then the egg, then the cornmeal and set on a nonstick baking sheet (or a baking sheet lined with foil and sprayed lightly with nonstick spray).
• Spray the tops of the stuffed chilies well with nonstick spray.
• Bake for 20 minutes or until golden and the filling is hot.
• Suggested garnishes: Fresh cilantro leaves, guacamole, salsa, and sour cream if desired.