Quick and Healthy – Puffy Chile Relleno Casserole

Posted by Correen in Cookbook Recipes, Main Dish, Recipes, Special Features | 0 comments

This is one of my tried and true books. A gal from work introduced me to both volumes of Brenda Ponichtera’s cookbooks several years ago…the tattered and splashed pages would quickly indicate to you how much I’ve referred to these unique and healthy dishes. The recipes I am sharing today have been a favorite of mine for a late Sunday brunch or to take and bake at any of our family gatherings. Nary a nibble is left.

We have a couple of chicks that lay the best darn eggs, so most of the time I do not use the egg substitute in this particular recipe. Either way works great though. A must try is the Spanish yogurt sauce, in fact I think that is what makes this casserole special each and every time I’ve served it.

I invite you to try these recipes for your family and friends.

Puffy Chile Relleno Casserole

Ingredients
3 cans (7 oz. each) whole green chiles
8 flour tortillas (6-inch size), cut into 1-inch strips
1 lb. grated low-fat cheese (mozzarella or cheddar)
3 cups egg substitute (equal to 12 eggs)
3/4 cup skim milk
1/2 tsp. each: pepper, cumin, garlic powder
1/4 tsp. salt (optional)
1 tsp. paprika
salsa, thick and chunky (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Drain chiles and remove seeds. Spray a 9″ x13″ baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Lay half the chiles in the pan.Top with half the tortilla strips and then half the cheese. Repeat another layer using remaining chiles, tortillas, and cheese. Beat remaining ingredients (except paprika) and pour over casserole. Sprinkle with paprika. Bake uncovered for 40 minutes or until puffy and set in the center. Let stand 10 minutes before serving. Serve with Spanish Yogurt Sauce or thick and chunky salsa.

Spanish Yogurt Sauce
Serve this with Mexican dishes in place of sour cream. It really tastes good!

Ingredients
1 cup nonfat plain yogurt
1/2 tsp. dried cilantro (optional)
1/4 tsp. cumin
1 tsp. dried parsley
1/2 cup salsa, thick and chunky

Mix all ingredients and refrigerate until serving.

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♥ Both of these cookbooks are available on Amazon.com…head over to read the rave reviews too!