Mexican Chili Rellenos Balls

Chili Relleno Balls: A Creative Twist on a Mexican Classic

These flavorful bite-sized chili relleno balls are stuffed with cheese, battered, and fried to golden perfection. Perfect for an appetizer, snack, or party treat!

Ingredients:

For the Chili Relleno Balls:

• 6-8 mild chili peppers (Anaheim, poblano, or similar)
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (Mexican blend, Monterey Jack, or Oaxaca)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for dusting)
• 1 cup flour (for batter)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1 egg
• 3/4 cup milk (adjust as needed for batter consistency)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

1. Prepare the Chiles

• Roast the chili peppers by placing them directly over a gas flame or broiling them in the oven. Turn the peppers until the skin is evenly charred.
• Transfer the roasted peppers to a covered bowl or plastic bag for 10-15 minutes to loosen the skins.
• Peel off the charred skin, then slice the peppers open and carefully remove the seeds, leaving them hollow and ready for stuffing.

2. Stuff the Peppers

• Fill each pepper with shredded cheese, leaving some space at the ends for sealing.
• Lightly dust the outside of the stuffed peppers with flour to help the batter stick during frying.

3. Prepare the Batter

• In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of flour, baking powder, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, and a pinch of salt.
• Add the egg and milk to the dry ingredients and whisk until smooth. The batter should be thick enough to coat the peppers without dripping excessively. Adjust with more milk or flour if necessary.

4. Shape the Balls

• Dip each stuffed pepper into the batter, ensuring an even coat.
• Gently form the battered peppers into ball shapes, pressing lightly to seal and compact them.

5. Fry the Balls

• Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan to 350°F (175°C). Ensure there is enough oil to fully submerge the chili balls.
• Carefully place the chili balls in the hot oil, frying a few at a time to avoid overcrowding.
• Fry for 3-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until the balls are golden brown and crispy on all sides.
• Remove the fried chili balls and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

6. Serve

• Serve the chili relleno balls hot with dipping sauces such as salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for added flavor.

Enjoy!
These Chili Relleno Balls are a crispy, cheese-filled delight with a touch of spice. Perfect for gatherings or as a savory treat, they’re sure to impress! 🌶️🧀