Chiles Rellenos Gratin Recipe

There is quite a bit of prep time with this recipe, but the outcome is worth it. Unlike traditional stuffed chiles, this dish is baked like a casserole.

Ingredients

  • 8 poblano chiles
  • Cooking spray
  • 1 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
  • 1 1/2 cups fresh corn kernels
  • 1/2 cup chopped green onions
  • 2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3/4 cup (3 ounces) crumbled queso fresco, divided
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 teaspoon salt, divided
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper, divided
  • 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and divided
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups 2% reduced-fat milk
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 1/2 cup dry breadcrumbs

Directions

Preheat broiler. Place chiles on a foil-lined baking sheet; broil 3 inches from heat 8 minutes or until blackened, turning after 4 minutes. Place in a zip-top plastic bag; seal. Let stand 15 minutes. Peel and discard skins. Cut a lengthwise slit in each chile; discard seeds, leaving stems intact.

Preheat oven to 350°.

Heat a large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray over medium heat. Add bell pepper; cook 4 minutes, stirring frequently. Add corn, onions, nuts, and garlic; cook 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat; stir in 1/2 cup cheese, cilantro, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper.

Place half of beans in a bowl; mash with a fork. Add mashed beans and whole beans to corn mixture. Spoon about 1/3 cup bean mixture into each chile; fold sides of chile over filling. Arrange stuffed chiles in an 8-inch square baking dish coated with cooking spray; set aside.

Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat; add 1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper, cumin, and nutmeg, and stir with a whisk. Cook 30 seconds, stirring constantly. Gradually add flour, and stir with a whisk; cook 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Gradually add milk. Stir with a whisk until blended.

Increase heat to medium. Cook milk mixture 8 minutes or until thick. Remove from heat; stir in 1/2 teaspoon salt and lime juice. Pour milk mixture over stuffed chiles.

Combine remaining 1/4 cup cheese and breadcrumbs; sprinkle over milk mixture. Bake at 350° for 20 minutes or until sauce is bubbly.

Preheat broiler.

Broil 1 minute or until top is golden brown.