Ep 3. Chile Relleno

Recipe Rehab season 2 episode 3 is entitled "Chile Relleno". The show features contestants who love their favorite meals but are trying to eat healthier. In each episode, two chefs will take on the task of rehabilitating a contestant's beloved dish into a healthier version of itself. This time, the chefs take on Chile Relleno, a Mexican dish traditionally consisting of a large poblano pepper stuffed with cheese, coated in an egg batter and then fried.

The contestant, named Maria, is a mother of two who loves to cook but struggles with making her family's favorite meals healthier. Maria turns to Recipe Rehab for some help in making a healthier version of Chile Relleno. She admits that her family has a history of obesity and diabetes, so it's important for her to find ways to make healthier choices.

The two chefs, Richard and Vikki, have very different approaches to the Chile Relleno challenge. Richard opts for a baked version with turkey filling and a side of black bean and corn salsa. He uses fresh ingredients and lots of spices to keep the flavor but reduce the fat and calories. Vikki, on the other hand, creates a soup version of Chile Relleno. She uses quinoa instead of rice and adds a lot of vegetables like kale, bell peppers, and carrots.

The judges, who are comprised of nutrition experts and food critics, taste both versions of Chile Relleno and provide their feedback. The judges give high marks for flavor to both chefs, but there is some debate about which version is healthier. Richard's baked version has less fat and calories than traditional Chile Relleno, but Vikki's soup version is loaded with vegetables and provides a lot of nutrients.

In the end, Maria and her family taste both versions of Chile Relleno before deciding which one is their new favorite. With some hesitation, they try Vikki's soup version first and are pleasantly surprised by the taste. They appreciate the option of having a healthier version of Chile Relleno that they can eat guilt-free. They also enjoyed Richard's baked version and appreciated how much he kept the traditional elements of Chile Relleno while still making it healthy.

Overall, "Chile Relleno" is a great episode of Recipe Rehab that highlights the importance of finding healthy alternatives to your favorite meals. Maria's story is relatable and reminds viewers that making healthier choices doesn't mean sacrificing flavor. The chefs, Richard and Vikki, both showcase their unique cooking styles and show how there are different ways to make a classic dish healthier. The judges provide insightful feedback and help viewers better understand the nutritional value of each version of Chile Relleno.