Spice Up Your Dinner Routine with Chile Relleno Burritos

Los Foodies Magazine
4 min readNov 29, 2023

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Definition of Chile Relleno Burritos

Chile Relleno Burritos is a Mexican dish made by wrapping a chili relleno (a roasted and peeled chili pepper filled with cheese) in a tortilla with rice, beans, and meat. The tortilla is then rolled into a burrito and baked or fried until crispy.

Brief History and Origin of Chile Relleno Burritos

The origins of Chile Relleno Burritos are not well-documented. However, it is believed that they originated in the Mexican state of Puebla, where the first chile rellenos were made. Over time, the recipe evolved, and the burrito was added as a way to make the dish more portable and easier to eat.

Ingredients of Chile Relleno Burritos

To make Chile Relleno Burritos, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Chile Rellenos

Chile Rellenos are the main ingredient in this dish. They are made by roasting and peeling poblano peppers, then filling them with cheese. You can use any type of cheese you like, but traditionally, chihuahua or Oaxaca cheese is used.

Rice

Rice is a staple in Mexican cuisine and is used in many dishes. For Chile Relleno Burritos, you’ll need to cook rice, which will be used as a filling for the burritos.

Beans

Beans are another staple in Mexican cuisine and are used in many dishes, including Chile Relleno Burritos. You can use any type of beans you like, but traditionally, black or pinto beans are used.

Tortillas

Tortillas are used to wrap the Chile Relleno and other fillings to make the burrito. You can use either corn or flour tortillas, depending on your preference.

Cheese

In addition to the cheese used to fill the Chile Relleno, you’ll also need additional cheese to top the burritos. Traditionally, a blend of cheddar and jack cheese is used, but you can use any type of cheese you like.

Meat

You can add meat to your Chile Relleno Burritos if you like.

How to Make Chile Relleno Burritos

Now that we know the ingredients needed to make Chile Relleno Burritos, let’s explore how to prepare this dish:

Roasting and Peeling Chile Rellenos

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Rinse the poblano peppers and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  • Roast the peppers in the oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the skin is blistered and blackened.
  • Remove the peppers from the oven and place them in a plastic bag or a covered bowl for 10–15 minutes to steam.
  • Once the peppers are cool enough to handle, remove the skin by gently rubbing it off with a paper towel.
  • Cut a small slit in the side of each pepper and remove the seeds and membranes.

Cooking Rice and Beans

  • Rinse 1 cup of rice and add it to a pot with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked.
  • Rinse and drain 1 can of beans and add them to a pot with 1 cup of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 10–15 minutes, or until the beans are heated through.

Preparing the Tortillas

  • Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Add a tortilla to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds on each side, or until it is lightly toasted.
  • Repeat with the remaining tortillas.

Assembling the Burritos

  • Place a tortilla on a plate and add a spoonful of rice, beans, and shredded cheese to the center.
  • Place a Chile Relleno on top of the filling.
  • Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling and place it seam-side down on a baking sheet.
  • Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
  • Top the burritos with additional shredded cheese.
  • Bake the burritos in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy.

Variations of Chile Relleno Burritos

Chile Relleno Burritos can be customized to suit your tastes. Here are a few variations:

Vegetarian Chile Relleno Burritos

To make a vegetarian version of Chile Relleno Burritos, simply omit the meat and add additional beans or sautéed vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms.

Seafood Chile Relleno Burritos

For a seafood twist on this dish, you can add shrimp or crab meat to the burritos.

Chicken Chile Relleno Burritos

To add some protein to the dish, you can add cooked and shredded chicken to the burritos.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Chile Relleno Burritos are a filling and satisfying meal on their own, but you can also serve them with the following sides and beverages:

1. Sides

  • Guacamole
  • Salsa
  • Sour cream
  • Chips and dip
  • Salad

2. Beverages

  • Margaritas
  • Beer
  • Agua fresca
  • Horchata

Verdict:

Chile Relleno Burritos are a delicious and satisfying meal that combines the flavors of traditional Mexican cuisine with the convenience of a burrito. Whether you prefer a vegetarian or meat-filled version, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

When making Chile Relleno Burritos, be sure to roast and peel the poblano peppers first, and cook the rice and beans separately. Assembling the burritos is easy and can be customized to suit your tastes.

Serve Chile Relleno Burritos with your favorite sides and beverages, such as guacamole, salsa, margaritas, or beer, for a complete and satisfying meal.

If you’re looking for a flavorful and easy-to-make meal that’s sure to please, try making Chile Relleno Burritos today!

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