Crispy Phyllo Vegetarian Chiles Rellenos
Delight in this revitalized take on traditional Chiles Rellenos. This delicious vegetarian dish takes a modern twist by using crispy phyllo pastry to envelop a flavorful stuffing made from refried beans and sweet potatoes, layered with aromatic spices passed down from generations. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy family meal, this recipe brings a burst of flavors inspired by classic Mexican cuisine, all while adhering to vegetarian principles. Serve them hot with your favorite salsa, guacamole, or a rich sour cream for a satisfying and wholesome meal!
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Vegetarian refried beans
1 can (16 ounces) (canned)
Sweet potatoes, mashed
1 can (16 ounces) (canned)
Monterey jack cheese or cheese of choice
3/4 cup (shredded (optional))
Onions
4 tablespoons (minced)
Ground cumin
1 teaspoon (ground)
Garlic powder
1 teaspoon (powder)
Dried basil
1 teaspoon (dried)
Dried oregano
1 teaspoon (dried)
Ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon (ground)
Green chilies (Anaheim or Serrano)
16 whole (whole)
Commercial frozen phyllo pastry
1 package (16 ounces) (thawed)
Vegetable oil cooking spray
to taste (for spraying)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
In a mixing bowl, combine the vegetarian refried beans, mashed sweet potatoes, shredded cheese (if using), minced onions, and all spices. Mix well until the ingredients are blended thoroughly.
3
Put on plastic disposable gloves for safety and make a lengthwise slit down each green chili, careful not to cut all the way through.
4
Gently stuff each slit chile with the bean and sweet potato mixture, ensuring they are filled evenly and reshaping them afterwards.
5
Lay one sheet of thawed phyllo pastry on a damp towel, keeping the remaining sheets covered to prevent drying out.
6
Lightly spray the surface of the phyllo with vegetable oil cooking spray.
7
Add another layer of phyllo on top, spraying the second sheet again with cooking spray.
8
Fold the phyllo in half crosswise, then lightly spray the folded layer with cooking spray.
9
Position one stuffed chile in the center of the phyllo and fold the sides over it, then roll it up jelly-roll style to encase the chile securely.
10
Place the rolled chile seam side down on an ungreased baking sheet. Repeat the wrapping process with all the remaining stuffed chiles.
11
Before baking, spray the tops of all the wrapped chiles with additional cooking spray to ensure they crisp up nicely.
12
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the phyllo is crisp and golden brown.
13
Serve immediately with your choice of salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for a delightful meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary dish featured in this recipe?
The dish is Crispy Phyllo Vegetarian Chiles Rellenos, which is a modern, baked take on the traditional Mexican recipe.
What makes this version of Chiles Rellenos different from traditional ones?
This version uses crispy phyllo pastry for the outer layer instead of a traditional egg batter and is filled with a sweet potato and bean mixture.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is entirely vegetarian, utilizing vegetarian refried beans and sweet potatoes.
What oven temperature is required for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
How many green chilies are needed for this recipe?
You will need 16 whole green chilies, such as Anaheim or Serrano varieties.
What goes into the stuffing for the chilies?
The stuffing consists of vegetarian refried beans, mashed sweet potatoes, shredded cheese, minced onions, and a blend of spices.
What spices are used to flavor the filling?
The filling is seasoned with ground cumin, garlic powder, dried basil, dried oregano, and a touch of ground cinnamon.
What kind of cheese is recommended for the filling?
Monterey Jack cheese is recommended, though you can use any cheese of your choice.
Why is it recommended to wear gloves when preparing the chilies?
Wearing plastic disposable gloves is suggested for safety to prevent the chili oils from irritating your skin or eyes.
How should the green chilies be cut for stuffing?
Make a single lengthwise slit down each chili, being careful not to cut all the way through to the other side.
How do you keep the phyllo pastry from drying out during assembly?
Lay the phyllo sheet on a damp towel and keep the remaining sheets covered while you work.
How many layers of phyllo are used per chili?
Each chili is wrapped in two sheets of phyllo pastry that are folded in half to create multiple layers.
What is the correct way to wrap the stuffed chilies in phyllo?
Place the chili in the center of the phyllo, fold the sides over, and roll it up jelly-roll style.
How long do the wrapped chilies need to bake?
They should bake for 15 to 20 minutes.
How do I know when the chiles rellenos are finished cooking?
They are done when the phyllo pastry is crisp and golden brown.
Should the baking sheet be greased?
The instructions specify using an ungreased baking sheet, as the phyllo is sprayed with cooking spray.
How should the rolled chilies be placed on the baking sheet?
They should be placed seam side down to ensure they don't unroll while baking.
What should I serve as a side or topping?
This dish is best served with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
The recipe makes approximately 8 servings.
Can I use fresh sweet potatoes?
Yes, while the recipe mentions canned mashed sweet potatoes for convenience, you can use 16 ounces of freshly mashed sweet potatoes.
Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
While phyllo pastry contains gluten, one of the tags suggests a gluten-free option could be explored, likely by substituting the phyllo with a gluten-free alternative.
What kind of oil should I use?
Vegetable oil cooking spray is used to keep the recipe light and help the pastry crisp up.
Are the refried beans specifically vegetarian?
Yes, the recipe specifies using vegetarian refried beans to maintain the vegetarian nature of the dish.
Can I use Serrano chilies instead of Anaheim?
Yes, the recipe suggests either Anaheim or Serrano chilies depending on your preference for heat and size.
Is the cinnamon a major flavor in the dish?
No, it uses only 1/8 teaspoon to provide a subtle aromatic undertone to the sweet potato mixture.
Should the phyllo be frozen when I start?
No, the phyllo pastry should be thawed before you begin the wrapping process.
Do I need to spray the tops of the rolls before baking?
Yes, spraying the tops with cooking spray before baking ensures they become golden and crispy.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The exterior is very crispy and light due to the phyllo, while the interior is soft and creamy from the bean and sweet potato filling.
Is the onion cooked before being added to the filling?
The recipe calls for minced onions to be mixed directly into the filling; they will soften while baking in the oven.
Can this be considered comfort food?
Yes, with its warm spices, melted cheese, and hearty bean filling, it is tagged as a comfort food.