The Major Benefit Of Ordering Chiles Rellenos From A Restaurant

Mexican food may be the most beloved international cuisine in America. ScrapeHero reveals that as of January 2023, 7,762 Taco Bell restaurants were spread throughout 50 U.S. states and two territories. We know — the fast food restaurant is hardly considered a beacon of authentic Mexican food, but still, it was built on the Mexican dishes of tacos and burritos. The U.S. even has a weekly occasion known as "Taco Tuesday" where many eateries offer specials on the beloved taco. You can't go to a sports stadium and not find nachos. Not only is Mexican food easy enough to find while out and about — many dishes are just as simple to whip up at home.

But not all of them. Tamales, for example, are a favorite among Mexican food fans, with their tender corn masa filled with slow-simmered pork in chili sauce. The end result is fantastic, but homemade tamales are an all-day job. Mole sauce, too, is something only the brave tackle. Mexican food expert Rick Bayless says Oaxacan Black Mole can take up to three days to complete. If you have ever had chile rellenos, you know what a treat it is. Food blog Isabel Eats explains that the dish features a fried, cheese-stuffed Anaheim pepper served with salsa roja. While it sounds straightforward, this dish isn't for the faint of heart. In fact, you just might be happier ordering it from a restaurant than you would be preparing it at home.

If you decide to challenge yourself and make chile rellenos at home, buckle up, as there are a number of steps to follow. Masterclass explains that first, your peppers need to be charred. Once blistered, cover them with a towel or plastic wrap to let them steam because you will need to peel off the skin. Next, slit the peppers open and stuff with a good, melty cheese like Oaxacan or cheddar. Alternatively, you can fill them with meat, rice, dried fruit, or a mixture of these. If you're going full authentic, you will also need to take some time to make a salsa roja for serving.

In a bowl, whip some egg whites until they are very frothy. Separately beat the egg yolks with some flour and then gently fold this into the egg whites until combined. Now you'll want to coat your stuffed peppers in some flour. To cook, heat some oil to frying temperature. Dip the floured peppers into the egg mixture and gently lay in the hot oil until the underside is golden, then flip and fry the other side. Drain the chilies on a paper towel and serve with your salsa roja. 

Sound complicated? That's the major benefit of ordering chiles rellenos from a restaurant. Insider says there really isn't a simple way to prepare these and that if a restaurant has them on their menu, they are offering authenticity. Plus, that's a lot of dishes you won't have to clean up.