Savory Hatch Chili Casserole in Spicy Tomato Sauce

Ingredients

• 4 egg whites
• 1 cup evaporated milk
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 pound shredded Oaxaca cheese
• 27 ounces sliced open canned Hatch chile peppers
• Sauce:
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 diced medium white onion
• 2 garlic cloves
• 3 tablespoons New Mexico chile powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• 1 sliced red bell pepper
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 can chicken broth (14.5 ounces)

Step 1

Begin by preheating the oven to a toasty 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and generously greasing a 9x13-inch baking dish with a spritz of cooking spray.

Step 2

In a mixing bowl, whip up the egg whites until they form stiff peaks, then delicately fold in the creamy evaporated milk, all-purpose flour, and a pinch of salt. Spread half of this airy egg white concoction on the base of the prepared baking dish. Lay the chiles flat on top of the egg whites, followed by a generous sprinkle of delectable Oaxaca cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining chiles and egg white mixture.

Step 3

Slide the assembled dish into the awaiting oven and bake until the eggs are beautifully set, which should take roughly 30 minutes.

Step 4

While the casserole works its magic in the heat, take a medium saucepan and heat up some oil over medium-high heat. Sizzle the onion and garlic for a couple of minutes until fragrant, then toss in the vibrant chile powder, a dash of salt, and fragrant cumin. Stir and cook for another minute before adding in the colorful bell peppers, cooking until they turn soft and inviting, around 3 to 5 minutes. Sprinkle in a bit of flour and stir for an additional 2 minutes. Slowly pour in the broth, stirring diligently to prevent any pesky lumps from forming. Let the mixture come to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the casserole is ready to shine.

Step 5

To serve, ladle the tantalizing sauce over slices of the delightful chile relleno casserole, and enjoy a flavorful fiesta of flavors.