Queso Relleno

GrateEggspectations · March 17

We’ve been lucky to get a few trips in to the Yucatán within the last year. Mérida, Mexico is statistically the safest city in the country and makes for a nice getaway. Of the meals we’ve had in the Yucatan, our favourite plate was probably queso relleno - a ball of Edam cheese stuffed with ground pork and spices along with other things. Had it at the Hacienda Temozon, a sprawling property that has hosted a number of U.S. presidents over the years.

Our driver and friend, Alejandro, took us there and enjoyed a meal with us back in October. He is just about the kindest man on earth. On previous trips, we’ve hosted his whole family for beef tenderloin. Beef is rare and very expensive in the region (twice the cost of at home), so it was only Alejandro’s second time having it, and was the first time the rest of his family had had it.

Couldn’t find many English recipes to riff off of, but settled on this one: https://www.food.com/recipe/mexican-queso-relleno-stuffed-cheese-275834

Started by hollowing out a ball of Edam cheese. Then stuffed it with ground pork, capers, olives, hard boiled eggs, epazote, paprika, ground cloves, garlic, tomatoes, vinegar, raisins, onion, cinnamon, consommé, chiles, etc. Wrapped in cheesecloth and steamed before serving on a bed of “white sauce”.

Upon making it, we took a group photo at the table and sent it to Alejandro to let him know we were thinking of him and of the great experiences we enjoyed together during our visits.

Thanks for looking.