Chiles / Hot Peppers
Chiles, chile peppers, hot peppers - whatever you call them - are one of the great culinary gifts the American continents have given the world. From sweet to unbearably spicy, chiles come in all levels of heat, many flavors, all sizes, and an impressive (not to mention beautiful) array of colors. The same plant can produce several different chiles, since names and flavors change as the peppers ripen and are dried or smoked. Jalapenos, for example, are fresh green chiles. When those same chiles are dried and smoked they become chipotles. Same botanical chile, two culinary chiles. Chiles need heat to get hot and fresh chiles are in season in the United States towards the end of summer and early fall. Dried chiles, of course, are available year round.
How to Roast & Peel Chiles (Chili Peppers)
Roasting softens the intense flavor of chiles, bringing out their earthy, smoky goodness. Roasting chiles until the skins are blistered and black also makes pulling off their skins as easy as peeling off a piece of tin foil.
Roasting softens the intense flavor of chiles, bringing out their earthy, smoky goodness. Roasting chiles until the skins are blistered and black also makes pulling off their skins as easy as peeling off a piece of tin foil.
Baked Chiles Rellenos
These chiles rellenos are roasted, stuffed, and baked (and even the roasting part of optional!).
These chiles rellenos are roasted, stuffed, and baked (and even the roasting part of optional!).
Chile & Cilantro Guacamole
Great with chips, on tacos, or any other way you might use guacamole.
Great with chips, on tacos, or any other way you might use guacamole.
Chile Onion Salsa
Serve this Chile Onion Salsa with roasted or grilled meats or alongside stews that could use some brightening up.
Serve this Chile Onion Salsa with roasted or grilled meats or alongside stews that could use some brightening up.
Cream of Green Chile Soup
This Cream of Green Chile Soup is based on one served at Duarte's Tavern in Pescadero, California.
This Cream of Green Chile Soup is based on one served at Duarte's Tavern in Pescadero, California.
Green Beans With Mint Chile Dressing
Give fresh steamed green beans a bright, hot kick in the pants with this minted jalapeno marinade.
Give fresh steamed green beans a bright, hot kick in the pants with this minted jalapeno marinade.
Green Chile Tomatillo Soup
Fresh, roasted green chiles and roasted skinned tomatillos make a lightly spicy and luscious pureed soup all on there own.
Fresh, roasted green chiles and roasted skinned tomatillos make a lightly spicy and luscious pureed soup all on there own.
Mushroom Potato Enchiladas
These delicious and earthy vegetarian Mushroom Potato Enchiladas are extra yummy with a side salad and a bit of crema or thinned sour cream alongside.
These delicious and earthy vegetarian Mushroom Potato Enchiladas are extra yummy with a side salad and a bit of crema or thinned sour cream alongside.
Nuoc Cham Vietnamese Dipping Sauce
Nuoc cham, a Vietnamese dipping sauce, is spicy and drizzled (or poured) over plenty of dishes in Vietnamese cuisine. See how easy it is to make your own nuoc cham here.
Nuoc cham, a Vietnamese dipping sauce, is spicy and drizzled (or poured) over plenty of dishes in Vietnamese cuisine. See how easy it is to make your own nuoc cham here.
Salsa Fresca
If everyone knew how easy it was to make their own salsa, it may lose its place as the top-selling condiment!
If everyone knew how easy it was to make their own salsa, it may lose its place as the top-selling condiment!
Strawberry Poblano Salsa
Mild and crunchy poblano chiles (also sold as pasillas) paired with sweet strawberries and zesty spring onions make this salsa a real crowd-pleaser.
Mild and crunchy poblano chiles (also sold as pasillas) paired with sweet strawberries and zesty spring onions make this salsa a real crowd-pleaser.