Chile Relleno Quesadilla

Chile Relleno Quesadilla: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic Favorite

If you’re a fan of bold flavors and cheesy goodness, this Chile Relleno Quesadilla is the perfect recipe for you. Combining the smoky, spicy flavor of roasted poblano peppers with the gooey melt of Monterey Jack cheese, this quesadilla offers a delicious fusion of textures and tastes. It’s quick to make and perfect for a satisfying lunch, dinner, or even a hearty snack. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or serving it up for friends, this dish is sure to impress.

Ingredients

• ½ tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 large flour tortilla
• ¾ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or mozzarella, or pepper jack) – more or less as preferred
• ½ roasted and peeled poblano pepper
• ⅙ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Directions

1. Prepare the Tortilla and Peppers:
If your tortillas are not pre-cooked, start by cooking them first. Set them aside for later use.

To prepare the poblano pepper, roast it by placing it on the top shelf of your oven under the broil setting. Leave the oven door slightly open to monitor the roasting process. Roast until the skin is blistered and blackened, rotating as needed. This should take a couple of minutes per side.

Once the pepper is roasted, remove it from the oven and place it in a sealed bag or container to sweat. This will make the skin easier to peel off. Once the pepper is cool enough to handle, peel off the blistered skin and discard it. Remove the stem and seeds, then slice the pepper into strips.

2. Assemble the Quesadilla:
Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Make sure all your ingredients are prepped and ready to go, as you’ll need to assemble the quesadilla quickly.

Add the butter to the skillet. Once it has melted, place the tortilla in the skillet.

Evenly spread the shredded cheese across one half of the tortilla, creating a base layer of cheesy goodness.

Next, lay the roasted poblano pepper slices in a single layer over the cheese. This will give the quesadilla its signature chile relleno flavor.

Sprinkle a pinch of garlic powder over the fillings, and if you like a touch of freshness, add the chopped cilantro as well.

3. Cook the Quesadilla:
As the cheese begins to melt, use a spatula to fold the tortilla in half, creating the quesadilla. Press down lightly to help the ingredients meld together.

Cook for about 2 minutes, or until the tortilla is lightly browned and crisp. Flip the quesadilla and brown the other side for another 1-2 minutes. The cheese should be fully melted, and the tortilla should have a nice golden color.

4. Serve:
Once cooked, remove the quesadilla from the skillet and let it rest on a cutting board for 1-2 minutes. This brief rest allows the cheese to set slightly, making it easier to cut without losing all the gooey goodness.

Cut the quesadilla into triangles and serve immediately. Pair it with sour cream, salsa, or your favorite sauces for dipping, and enjoy the perfect blend of spicy, cheesy, and crispy in every bite.

Recipe Notes

This Chile Relleno Quesadilla is incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it by adding other ingredients like sautéed onions, grilled chicken, or even black beans for extra flavor and texture. If you prefer a spicier kick, consider using pepper jack cheese or adding a dash of hot sauce before folding the tortilla.

The combination of roasted poblano peppers and melted cheese gives this quesadilla a rich, smoky flavor reminiscent of traditional chile rellenos, but with a quick and easy twist. It’s perfect for a weeknight meal, a weekend snack, or any time you’re craving something deliciously satisfying.

Nutrition

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Calories: 350 kcal per serving
• Servings: 1 quesadilla

This Chile Relleno Quesadilla is a delightful fusion of flavors that brings together the best of Mexican cuisine in a simple, easy-to-make dish. With its crispy tortilla, gooey cheese, and smoky roasted peppers, it’s a meal that’s sure to satisfy. Give it a try, and enjoy a new twist on a classic favorite!

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