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Wednesday, September 08, 2010

Chilli Rellenos (Stuffed chillies - Mexican style)

I enjoy Mexican cuisine. Sadly, the restaurant scene in Chennai doesn’t offer much choice as far as this cuisine goes. The two restaurants that offer Mexican fare fail to satisfy. The one time I visited Don Pepe, I was served substandard food that came covered in cold and chewy cheese which provided my gums with a lot of unneeded and strenuous exercise.
If you have never tasted Mexican food before, then the relatively new player on the block, Texas Fiesta, might prove to be satisfactory….but to me, it was far from good. The nachos were not crisp, they served rajma and called it black beans.
So, the only option I am left with is to make Mexican food at home. I recently picked up Nita Mehta’s Mexican Cuisine at the library and tried out this starter from her book.

To make chilli rellenos, you need:
Chillies – 6 (use the variety that is used to make bajji)
Vinegar –1/4 cup
Salt –1/2 tsp

For the filling:
Potato – 2 small , peeled, diced fine
Carrot – 1, grated
Rice – 1/2 cup
Salt
Vinegar – 3/4 tsp
Cheese spread – 3 tsp
Oregano – 1/2 tsp (I used Pizza Hut’s Italian seasoning)
Cumin powder – 1/2 tsp

For the batter:
Cornflour – 1/2 cup
Salt – to taste
Water – 1/4 cup

Remove the stem of the chillies and slit them halfway through. Remove the seeds. Pour the vinegar over the chillies and rub well with salt. Keep this aside for 30 minutes.
To make the filling:
Heat 2 tsp of oil in a pan. Add the diced potatoes and cook on a low flame until well browned. Switch off heat. Mix in all the other ingredients listed under filling.
Stuff this filling gently into the slit chillies.

Mix cornflour, salt and water to make a batter.
Dip the stuffed chillies in the batter and deep fry in hot oil until golden brown and crisp.

Off this goes to Anita's Mad Tea Party.

16 comments:

Renu said...

Even I love Mexican:)

Uma said...

looks so good and delicious.

Miri said...

I used to love Don Pepe's when we were in Chennai - sad to hear that its gone down :(

The scene is not much better in Delhi - went to a TGIF once and they served lentils and called it black beans!!! Had a huge argument with the staff, came back and shot off an email and they finally called back and offered us credit for another meal. Wouldnt go back there for love or money!! Another place called Rodeo was awful as well :(

Lovely stuffed chillies!

sanjeeta kk said...

Looks very spicy and tasty treat!

Priya Srinivasan - I Camp in My Kitchen said...

Wow!!! That looks Delicious :) Easy to make :)

lata raja said...

Honestly, i have never tasted mexican food beyond some nachos@ way side eateries while in US for the short period I dropped Niki off at campus! Your home-made sounds too good not to try! Bookmarking this and will try whenever possible.

Priya dharshini said...

I have tried mexican cusine in US..in chennai,u can try Cream center restaurant mexican food with limited items...I tried this stuffed chillies..they used jalepenos stuffed with just cheese :(..ur recipe is now much good than the actual one...

Priya dharshini said...

I have tried mexican cusine in US..in chennai,u can try Cream center restaurant mexican food with limited items...I tried this stuffed chillies..they used jalepenos stuffed with just cheese :(..ur recipe is now much good than the actual one...

Unknown said...

whoa, I am so bookmarking and making it. Love the pic and I love stuffed chilies :)

sra said...

The restaurateurs think customers don't know any better. that's the problem.

Archana Vivek said...

This is awesome.

Anuka said...

great recipie..they loos so amazing and easy to make.

Cynthia said...

Hey, it is so good to see you again!

I like your chili rellenos just because it is not stuffed with cheese and because it looks so crispy and delicious!

Srivalli said...

Looks great Jay..you should make it for us..:)

Hamsi said...

Superb and spicy mexican chilli. New to me.
Loving it:-)
http://indianyummykitchen.blogspot.com

Anita said...

Healthier Chilli Rellenos! :)
Thanks for bringing this spicy snack to tea! Soon there will be mild Bhavnagri chillies in the market and would so like to try your version!