Cheesy Chiles Rellenos Soup

Ingredients

• 2 tbspoil
• 1large onionAmount1Ingredientlarge onion, diced, diced
• 2fresh poblano peppers, diced
• 1jalapeñoAmount1Ingredientjalapeño pepper, seeded and diced (optional, for extra heat) pepper, seeded and diced (optional, for extra heat)
• 3 cloves garlicAmount3Ingredientcloves garlic, minced, minced
• 1 tbspchili powderAmount1 tbspIngredientchili powder
• 2 tspground cuminAmount2 tspIngredientground cumin
• 1 tsppaprikaAmount1 tspIngredientpaprika
• 1 tspsaltAmount1 tspIngredientsalt
• 1/2 tspteaspoon pepper
• 1/4 cupflour
• 4 cupvegetable brothAmount4 cupIngredientvegetable broth
• 1(14-ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
• 1(8-ounce) can tomato sauceAmount1Ingredient(8-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 cupwhole milkAmount1 cupIngredientwhole milk
• 1 1/2 cupshredded Monterey Jack, plus more for topping
• Crumbled tortilla chips or strips
• Sour cream or crema

Instructions

1. 1

   In a large pot over medium-high heat, warm the oil. Add the onion, poblanos, and jalapeñoAmount1Ingredientjalapeño pepper, seeded and diced (optional, for extra heat) (if using). Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and the peppers are lightly browned. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring, until fragrant.

2. 2

   Sprinkle in the chili powderAmount1 tbspIngredientchili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir briefly until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Then, add the flour and stir constantly for 1–2 minutes until it forms a thick paste.

3. 3

   Slowly pour in the vegetable brothAmount4 cupIngredientvegetable broth, stirring to prevent lumps. Add the fire-roasted tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir and bring to a simmer. Let cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.

4. 4

   Reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir in the milkAmount1 cupIngredientwhole milk and simmer gently for 5 minutes.

5. 5

   Add the shredded cheese and stir until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more saltAmount1 tspIngredientsalt or pepper if needed.

6. 6

   Ladle into bowls and add toppings like crumbled tortilla chips, sour cream, or extra cheese. Serve warm.