One of the best uses of green chilies in a recipe that I've seen is making stuffed green chilies with cheese. This dish is called "Chiles Rellenos" in Mexican cuisine and is incredibly delicious and flavorful. Here's a general recipe for making Chiles Rellenos:
Ingredients:
- Fresh green chilies (such as Anaheim or Poblano peppers)
- Cheese of your choice (traditionally, Oaxaca cheese or Monterey Jack is used)
- All-purpose flour
- Eggs, separated
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Tomato sauce or salsa for serving
Instructions:
Roast the Chilies: Roast the green chilies over an open flame or under the broiler until the skin is charred and blistered. This step helps in peeling off the skin later. Once roasted, place the chilies in a plastic bag or covered bowl for a few minutes to steam. This will make it easier to peel off the skin.
Peel and Remove Seeds: Carefully peel off the skin from the chilies and make a small slit along one side of each chili to remove the seeds and membranes. Be gentle to keep the shape of the chili intact.
Stuff the Chilies: Stuff each chili with your chosen cheese, making sure not to overstuff, so you can still close the slit.
Prepare the Batter: In a bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. In a separate bowl, lightly beat the egg yolks. Gently fold the egg yolks into the beaten egg whites. Season the mixture with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Coat the Chilies: Roll each stuffed chili in all-purpose flour to coat lightly. Then, dip each chili into the egg batter, ensuring they are evenly coated.
Fry the Chilies: In a frying pan or skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Fry the battered chilies until they turn golden brown on all sides. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan; fry them in batches if necessary.
Drain Excess Oil: Once fried, place the Chiles Rellenos on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Serve: Serve the Chiles Rellenos with tomato sauce or salsa on the side for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Chiles Rellenos are a popular and mouthwatering dish that showcases the versatility of green chilies. The combination of the mildly spicy chilies with gooey melted cheese and the light, fluffy egg batter is simply delightful. This recipe is sure to impress your guests and is perfect for a special dinner or any occasion you want to enjoy a flavorful Mexican dish.