How to Roast and Clean Poblano Chiles [Step-by-Step] (2024)

Poblano Chiles

Poblano chiles are a mild green chile typically used to preparechiles rellenos,rajas con queso, andcrema de poblano. Theyneed to be roasted and peeled before cooking to remove the tough outer skin which is difficult to digest. Roasting also adds flavor.

Roasting Methods

Roasting Poblano peppers on a gas stove is my preferred method. If you don’t have a gas stove or you don’t want to place the chiles on an open flame, see the Alternative Roasting Methods.

Roast the chiles directly on the flame. Do not leave the chiles unattended.

You want to blacken the chiles evenly, like the chiles in the picture, so that it is easy to remove all of the skin. Use metal tongs to turn them.

Peeling and Cleaning

Once the chiles are roasted place them in a plastic bag to sweat them which helps loosen the skin to make them easier to peel.

After you have sweated the chiles and they are cool to the touch remove them from the bag and use the blade of a knife to scrape off the charred skin. It’s a bit messy but the skin should come off easily. Remove as much skin as possible.

Alternatively, you can also place the chiles under running water and rub the skin off with your fingers. This is quicker and not as messy but you lose much of the roasted flavor doing it this way.

Remove the seeds and veins. If you are going to use the chiles to make chiles rellenos leave the stem intact. Otherwise, remove the stem.

Alternative Roasting Methods

Broiler Method

Lay the chiles on an ungreased baking sheet leaving space between them to allow them to char evenly. Place the baking sheet in the oven as close to the broiler as possible.

It should take a minute or two per side for the chiles to char. When the first side of the chiles is charred, remove the baking tray from the oven and turn the chiles over. Return the chiles to the oven and continue to broil until the second side is blackened.

*Sweat, peel and clean the chiles as indicated.

In a Skillet or on a Comal

If you have an electric stove or you don’t want to place the chiles on an open flame you can char them in a skillet or on a comal. Avoid skillets with a non-stick coating. Preheat the skillet on high. Place the chiles in the skillet leaving some space between them. Char the chiles until they are blackened on one side. Turn them over and char the other side.

*Sweat, peel and clean the chiles as indicated.

Outdoor Grill

You can also roast the chiles on an outdoor grill. Roasting them over charcoal gives adds great flavor.

*Sweat, peel and clean the chiles as indicated.

More Mexican Cooking Techniques

• How to Use a Molcajete
• How to Use a Tortilla Press
• How to Use Mole Paste
• How to Peel Jicama
• How to Clean Cactus Fruit

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