BasicsRecipes

Chiles Rellenos with Spanish Rice

30 Cook
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  • Perfect for a weeknight dinner

Five years ago, I had my first bite of chiles rellenos – not even from my own plate, but stolen off someone else’s. One taste and I was hooked. The smoky poblano, the hint of heat, the melty cheese tangled up with garlic and onions – it was everything good about comfort food in one forkful.

This version is my take on that memory. It’s a veggie-forward twist that brings all the flavor without losing any of the soul. The peppers are roasted until tender, stuffed with a hearty mix of black beans, corn, zucchini, and just enough cheese to tie it all together. Served with a pan of tomato-simmered Spanish rice, it’s one of those meals that feels special but fits into real life.

You’ll spend maybe twenty minutes prepping, and the rest of the time it’s doing its thing — simmering quietly while you knock out homework, catch up on calls, or take a well-earned breather. In under an hour, you’ll have dinner that tastes like you put in way more effort than you actually did.

Did you make this recipe? Rate it here!

Chiles Rellenos with Spanish Rice

jenniferlbartholomew
Smoky roasted poblanos stuffed with a hearty mix of black beans, corn, zucchini, onions, and a touch of cheese — pan-fried until crisp and served with a simple tomato sauce. It’s comfort food that doesn’t weigh you down.
prep time
20 min
cooking time
30
servings
4
total time
50 min

Equipment

  • pan for roasting peppers

  • sharp knife

  • cutting board

  • sauté pan

  • bowl and plate for battering peppers

  • whisk or suitable fork

  • paper towels

  • saucepan or deep frying pan

Ingredients

  • We provide:

  • 4 poblano peppers

  • 1 small zucchini

  • 1/2 onion (for filling)

  • 1/2 onion (for rice)

  • 1 ear corn kernels

  • 3 Roma tomatoes

  • 3 garlic cloves

  • Fresh cilantro

  • Pantry staples:

  • Rice (1 cup uncooked)

  • Flour

  • Milk (or plant milk)

  • 2 eggs

  • Oil (for frying and sautéing)

  • Salt, pepper

  • You provide:

  • 1 can black beans

  • 2 oz shredded pepper jack or queso fresco

  • 1/2 cup chicken broth

  • 1 can tomato paste

  • Optional Add-ins: (if desired):

  • cumin, chili powder, paprika

Instructions

1

Roast the poblanos

Char the peppers over a gas flame or under a broiler until blistered.
2

Chop your veg

While the poblanos cook: peel and dice your onion, dice your zucchini, peel and dice your garlic, remove your corn from the cob,
3

Flip your poblanos

flip your pobanos and continue broiling
4

Make the veggie filling

In a pan, sauté diced onion, garlic, and zucchini in a bit of oil until tender. Stir in black beans and corn. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of cumin or chili powder if you have it.
5

Steam Poblanos

Remove the poblanos and add to the pan with the veggie mixture. The steam will help the skins release.
6

Make your batter

Whisk eggs until fluffy and fold in 1–2 tablespoons flour to make a light batter. Dredge each stuffed pepper lightly in flour, then dip into the batter.
7

Peel your poblanos (optiona)

If you would like to peel the skins off of your poblanos, now is the time. I typically skip this step.
8

Stir in Cheese (optional)

If you are using cheese, stir it into your veggie mix.
9

Prepare your oil

heat ¼ inch of oil. Do this step while you stuff your peppers so the oil will be nice and hot when you are ready.
10

Stuff the peppers

Cut a small slit down each roasted pepper and carefully fill with the veggie mixture. Don’t overstuff - they’ll need to close loosely for frying. Pan-fry in ¼ inch of hot oil until golden and crisp on both sides. Drain on paper towels.
11

Toast the rice

In a saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add 1 cup uncooked rice and stir until lightly golden and fragrant.
12

Add aromatics

Stir in finely chopped onion and garlic. Cook for 1–2 minutes, just until softened. Dice one Roma tomato and add it to the pot.
13

Simmer

Add 1 ¾ cups hot water (or broth), a pinch of salt, and optional paprika or cumin. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer 15–18 minutes until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender. Fluff with a fork.
14

Make your sauce

While it simmers, make your sauce: sautee together 1 blended tomato, 1 can tomato sauce, 1/2 cup chicken broth, and any spices or seasonings you like.
15

Serve

Plate the chiles rellenos with a scoop of Spanish rice. Spoon the quick tomato sauce over top, then finish with cilantro and a squeeze of lime. Add extra cheese if you like.

Notes

Tip: Removing poblano seeds and inner veins reduces heat, leave a few if you like a little heat.
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