Chile Relleno Casserole

1. Stage

Char the whole poblano chiles: The first step is to char the outside skin of the poblano chiles. The easiest way to do that is directly over the flame of a gas burner (see How to Roast Chiles over a Gas Flame ). You can also do that over a grill, or in a broiling pan under a broiler (don't use a thin baking sheet or it will warp under the high heat). Just put the chiles close enough to the heating element so they char and blister on the surface. Turn the chiles so that they get completely blackened all around. Place the blackened chiles in a bowl and cover with a plate or damp towel. Let the chiles steam in their own heat for several minutes.

2. Stage

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and position a rack in the center.

3. Stage

Make the tomato sauce: While the chilies are cooling, heat olive oil in a large sauté pan, on medium high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for a minute more. Add the tomatoes (break up any whole tomatoes before adding to the pan). Add a pinch of salt. Bring to a simmer and lower the heat to low. Gently simmer for 15-20 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

4. Stage

Peel and seed the roasted poblanos: Carefully peel and discard the blackened skin off of the chiles. Cut off the stem ends. Carefully remove the seed pod without tearing the chiles (which you will stuff later).

5. Stage

Cook the chorizo: Put the Mexican chorizo in a large frying pan and set the heat to medium high. Break up the chorizo with the edge of a metal spatula as you cook it. Cook until cooked through, about 4 minutes.

6. Stage

Spread tomato sauce in the baking dish: Spread the tomato sauce over the bottom of an 9x13-inch baking dish. The tomato sauce should be the consistency of a thin spaghetti sauce. If it is too thick, thin it out with a little water.

7. Stage

Make the stuffing: In a large bowl, mix together the stuffing of the cooked chorizo, cotija, and oregano.

8. Stage

Stuff the chiles: Stuff the chiles with the chorizo mixture and place on top of tomato sauce in the baking dish.

9. Stage

Whisk the eggs, flour, baking powder, salt: In a large bowl, vigorously whisk the eggs. Whisk in the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.

10. Stage

Finish assembling the casserole: Sprinkle chiles with half of the jack or cheddar cheese. Pour egg mixture over chiles and sprinkle with remaining cheese. At this point you can make ahead and chill for several days. Add 10 minutes to cooking time in the next step if you make ahead and chill.

11. Stage

Bake, rest, and serve: Bake at 375°F until top starts to brown and the eggs are set but still soft, about 30 minutes. Let the casserole rest 5 minutes before serving.