1 chile Chile Relleno contains 360 calories, making it a hearty but calorie-dense Mexican dish. In this article, we'll take a closer look at what a Chile Relleno is, its ingredients, nutritional information, and calorie content compared to other Mexican dishes.
Chile Relleno is a popular Mexican dish made with a roasted, peeled, and stuffed poblano pepper. The pepper is often filled with cheese or ground beef and then coated in egg batter and pan-fried. Chile Relleno is typically served with tomato sauce, rice, and beans.
If you're a fan of the dish but want to cut down on calories, we'll also provide tips on how to make a low-calorie version of the dish and suggest some alternative low-calorie Mexican dishes to try instead.
Understanding What a Chile Relleno is
A Chile Relleno is a popular Mexican dish made with a poblano pepper that is stuffed, coated in egg batter, and fried. The dish is typically served with tomato sauce, rice, and beans. The word 'relleno' means 'stuffed' in Spanish, and Chile Rellenos are often filled with cheese, ground beef, or a combination of both. The dish is a popular main course in Mexican cuisine and can be found in many Mexican restaurants in the United States. The pepper used in Chile Relleno is a poblano pepper. The pepper is a mild chili pepper that is typically roasted, peeled, and then used in various Mexican dishes.
Ingredients Used to Make Chile Relleno
The ingredients used to make Chile Relleno include poblano peppers, cheese, ground beef, eggs, and tomato sauce. When making a Chile Relleno, the first step is to roast the poblano peppers to remove the skin. Next, the peppers are stuffed with cheese or ground beef and coated in egg batter. The stuffed peppers are then pan-fried until golden brown. Tomato sauce is typically served with Chile Relleno and can be homemade or store-bought. Some variations of the dish may also include additional ingredients such as onions, garlic, and spices.
The Nutritional Makeup of Chile Relleno
A typical serving size of Chile Relleno is one large pepper, which contains about 360 calories. In addition to calories, Chile Relleno is high in fat and sodium. A serving contains about 25 grams of fat and 1,200 milligrams of sodium. Despite its high calorie and fat content, Chile Relleno is also a good source of protein and some vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin C and Calcium.
Calories in Chile Relleno: An Overview
As mentioned earlier, a large Chile Relleno contains about 360 calories. If you're looking to cut down on calories, one option is to order a smaller portion or share the dish with someone else. You can also try making a low-calorie version of the dish at home, which we'll discuss later in this article.
Calories in Chile Relleno vs. Other Mexican Dishes
Compared to other popular Mexican dishes, Chile Relleno is relatively high in calories. For example, one chicken enchilada with cheese and sauce contains about 280 calories, while one serving of chicken fajitas with tortillas and toppings contains about 400 calories. If you're looking for a lower calorie Mexican dish, some options to consider include grilled chicken or fish tacos, grilled vegetable fajitas, or a small serving of salsa and chips.
Chile Relleno: The Health Benefits and Downsides
Chile Relleno offers some health benefits but also comes with some downsides. On the plus side, the dish is a good source of protein and some vitamins and minerals. Poblano peppers also contain antioxidants and are a good source of dietary fiber. However, Chile Relleno is also high in calories, fat, and sodium, which can be problematic for some people. It's important to enjoy the dish in moderation and to balance it out with plenty of vegetables and other healthy foods.
How to Make a Low-Calorie Chile Relleno
If you're looking to enjoy Chile Relleno without all the calories, here are some tips for making a lower calorie version of the dish: - Instead of coating the pepper in egg batter and frying it, try baking or grilling the pepper for a healthier option. - Use a leaner protein such as ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef, or skip the meat altogether and stuff the pepper with vegetables and beans.
Tips for Enjoying Chile Relleno in Moderation
To enjoy Chile Relleno in moderation, here are some tips to keep in mind: - Share the dish with someone else or order a smaller portion. - Balance out the meal with plenty of vegetables, such as a salad or grilled vegetables.
Popular Variations of Chile Relleno
While traditional Chile Relleno is stuffed with cheese or ground beef, there are many variations of the dish to try. Some popular variations include filling the pepper with shrimp, crab meat, or beans, or topping the dish with a spicy tomato sauce instead of a mild sauce.
Alternative Low-Calorie Mexican Dishes
If you're looking for a low-calorie Mexican dish to try instead of Chile Relleno, here are some options to consider: - Grilled chicken or fish tacos - Grilled vegetable fajitas
5 FAQs about Chile Relleno
1. What is Chile Relleno?
Chile Relleno is a traditional Mexican dish consisting of a roasted poblano pepper that is stuffed with cheese, meat or vegetables and served with tomato sauce.
2. How many calories are in Chile Relleno?
Chile Relleno typically has around 360 calories per serving, but this can vary depending on the filling and cooking method used.
3. What is the traditional filling for Chile Relleno?
The traditional filling for Chile Relleno is cheese, usually a type of white cheese such as queso fresco or Oaxaca cheese. However, it can also be filled with meat or vegetables.
4. Is Chile Relleno spicy?
Chile Relleno can be spicy depending on the type of pepper used. Poblano peppers are generally mild, but some can have a little heat. If you don't like spicy food, you can remove the seeds and membranes that contain the spiciness.
5. How is Chile Relleno prepared?
Chile Relleno is typically prepared by roasting the poblano pepper to remove the skin. Then, it is filled with the desired ingredients and dipped in egg batter before being fried or baked. It is often served with tomato sauce, rice and beans.