Green chile recipes add a spicy kick to your meals. These dishes combine the unique flavor of green chiles with various ingredients to create tasty and exciting food options.
From creamy sauces to hearty stews, green chiles can transform ordinary meals into flavorful experiences.
You’ll find a range of green chile recipes to suit different tastes and cooking styles. Some are quick and easy, while others require more time and effort.
Green chiles work well in Mexican-inspired dishes, but can also be used in unexpected ways to add zest to other cuisines. Whether you’re a spice lover or just looking to try something new, these recipes offer a great starting point for exploring the world of green chile cooking.
New Mexico Hatch Chile Stew is a hearty dish that showcases the state’s famous green chiles. You’ll need roasted, peeled, and chopped Hatch green chiles as the star ingredient.
Start by browning beef or pork with onions in a large pot. Add water and potatoes, cooking until the potatoes are tender. Then mix in the chopped green chiles.
Some recipes include tomatoes for extra flavor. Let the stew simmer to allow the flavors to meld. You can thicken it with a flour and butter mixture if desired.
This stew is perfect for cool evenings and brings the taste of New Mexico to your table.
Green Chile Mac and Cheese combines creamy comfort with a spicy kick. To make it, cook macaroni until just shy of al dente.
While the pasta cooks, prepare a cheese sauce. Melt butter in a skillet, add flour, and whisk in milk until it thickens. Stir in mustard and chopped green chiles.
Add shredded cheese gradually, stirring until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix the sauce with the cooked pasta.
For extra flavor, top with breadcrumbs and bake until golden. This dish offers a perfect balance of cheesy goodness and mild heat from the green chiles.
Green chile rellenos are a tasty stuffed pepper dish. You start by roasting Hatch green chiles. Then you stuff them with cheese or meat.
Next, you dip the peppers in flour and a batter made of eggs, milk, and flour. Fry them in hot oil until golden brown.
You can stuff the chiles with ground pork, corn, and spices for extra flavor. Or keep it simple with just cheese.
Serve your rellenos hot and crispy. They’re great with salsa or sour cream on top. This dish brings the heat and flavor of New Mexico right to your plate.
You can make a tasty green chile dip with just a few ingredients. Mix cream cheese, sour cream, and roasted green chiles in a food processor until smooth. Add some onion powder and garlic powder for extra flavor.
Fold in more chopped green chiles for texture. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. This dip goes great with tortilla chips or fresh veggies.
For a hot version, bake the dip in the oven until bubbly. Top it with shredded cheddar cheese before baking. Serve warm as a crowd-pleasing party snack.
This easy recipe lets you make tasty green chile beef with minimal effort. Start by placing a chuck roast in your slow cooker. Season it with salt, cumin, and chili powder.
Add sliced onions and green chile peppers on top. Cook on low for 8 hours. The beef will become tender and flavorful as it simmers all day.
You can also add enchilada sauce and diced green chiles for extra flavor. Some recipes suggest browning the beef first or adding salsa verde near the end of cooking.
When done, the meat will be fall-apart tender. Serve it over rice or in tortillas for a satisfying meal.
Green chile cornbread adds a spicy kick to a classic favorite. This tasty twist combines the sweetness of corn with the heat of green chiles.
To make it, mix cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. In another bowl, beat eggs, milk, and melted butter. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, then fold in diced green chiles and corn kernels.
Pour the batter into a greased baking dish or cast iron skillet. Bake at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown. The result is a moist, flavorful cornbread with a pleasant warmth from the chiles.
Serve it as a side dish or enjoy it on its own. It pairs well with soups, chilis, and barbecue.
Green chile chicken soup is a tasty dish that warms you up. It’s easy to make and full of flavor.
You start by cooking onions and peppers in a big pot. Then add garlic and jalapeños for extra kick.
Next, pour in chicken broth and add beans, salsa verde, and diced green chiles. Toss in some cooked chicken and spices like cumin.
Let it simmer for about 30 minutes. The soup will smell amazing as it cooks.
Before serving, you can top it with sour cream and cheese. This hearty soup is perfect for chilly days or when you want something spicy and satisfying.
Health Benefits of Green Chile
Green chiles pack a nutritious punch and offer several health perks. They contain vitamins, minerals, and beneficial compounds that can boost your wellbeing.
Nutritional Profile
Green chiles are low in calories but high in nutrients. A half cup serving has only about 30 calories. They’re rich in vitamin C, with one chile providing over 100% of your daily needs. Green chiles also contain good amounts of vitamin A, potassium, and dietary fiber.
The fiber in green chiles helps with digestion and keeps you feeling full. Potassium supports heart health and muscle function. Vitamins A and C are important for your immune system and skin health.
Antioxidant Properties
Green chiles are loaded with antioxidants that fight harmful free radicals in your body. These antioxidants may help protect against certain diseases and slow down aging.
Capsaicin, the compound that gives chiles their heat, has anti-inflammatory effects. It may help reduce pain and swelling. Some studies suggest capsaicin could boost metabolism and aid in weight loss.
Green chiles also contain lutein and zeaxanthin. These antioxidants are good for eye health and may lower your risk of age-related eye problems.
Cooking Tips for Green Chile
Green chiles can add a delicious kick to many dishes. These tips will help you select, store, and prepare them for the best flavor and results.
Selecting Fresh Chiles
Look for firm, smooth chiles with vibrant green color. Avoid those with soft spots, wrinkles, or blemishes. Fresh chiles should feel heavy for their size. Choose ones with glossy skin and strong stems. Smell the chiles – they should have a fresh, spicy scent.
For milder flavor, pick chiles with rounded tips. Pointy-tipped chiles tend to be hotter. Smaller chiles are usually spicier than larger ones. If possible, ask to sample a chile to check the heat level before buying.
Proper Storage Methods
Store whole fresh chiles in a paper bag in the refrigerator. They’ll keep for about a week. Don’t wash chiles before storing, as moisture can lead to mold.
For longer storage, freeze whole chiles. Spread them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. Frozen chiles will keep for several months.
Roasted chiles can be refrigerated for 3-5 days or frozen for up to 6 months. Store them in airtight containers or freezer bags.
Roasting Techniques
Roasting brings out the chiles’ flavor and makes them easier to peel. Here are three methods:
Oven roasting: Place chiles on a baking sheet under the broiler. Turn every few minutes until skin blisters and chars.
Stovetop roasting: Use tongs to hold chiles over a gas flame, turning until evenly charred.
Grill roasting: Place chiles directly on grill grates over high heat. Turn as skin blisters.
After roasting, place chiles in a plastic bag or covered bowl to steam. This loosens the skin.
When cool, peel off charred skin and remove seeds if desired.
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
