A truly great fried chile relleno is a study in balance and restraint. When it’s done well, nothing overwhelms anything else. The chile, the filling, the batter, and the sauce all work together, each doing its job without stealing the spotlight. When it’s done poorly, it becomes greasy, flat, or heavy. The difference lies in a handful of technical choices that separate a competent relleno from a memorable one.
It starts with the chile itself, almost always a poblano. Size and maturity matter. A good relleno uses a poblano that’s large enough to stuff but not so thick-walled that it stays raw inside after frying. The chile must be roasted properly—charred until the skin blisters, then rested and peeled clean. That peeling step is crucial. Any remaining skin turns bitter and leathery once fried, disrupting the texture of the dish. A well-prepped poblano should be soft, smoky, and pliable, with its heat mellowed but still present.
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