Easy Recipes With Hatch Chiles
Hatch chiles are a type of pepper originating from New Mexico, USA. These chiles have a sweet, smoky, and spicy flavor profile, making them perfect for a variety of dishes. Hatch chiles are only available during a short harvesting season, typically from late August to early September. However, you can purchase roasted and frozen hatch chiles from supermarkets or online stores.
Here are some simple recipes you can try with hatch chiles:
Hatch Chile Salsa
Salsa is a classic Mexican sauce made from tomatoes, chiles, onions, and spices. It serves as a fantastic complement to nachos, tacos, burritos, and more. Using hatch chiles can kick up the heat and deliciousness of your salsa.
Ingredients:
- 4 hatch chiles
- 4 medium-sized tomatoes
- 1 red onion
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro leaves
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp powdered chicken bouillon
- Juice of 1 lime
Instructions:
- Halve the hatch chiles and tomatoes lengthwise, removing the seeds.
- Cut the red onion into large pieces and place it on a baking sheet along with the garlic cloves.
- Roast all the ingredients for 20-25 minutes or until the chile skins are blackened.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool.
- Peel the roasted chile and tomato skins.
- Blend or process all the ingredients until smooth.
- Pour the salsa into a bowl and serve.
Hatch Chile Mac & Cheese
Mac & cheese is a beloved American comfort food made from macaroni and cheese. Adding hatch chiles introduces a spicy and smoky twist to this classic dish.
Ingredients:
- 250 grams macaroni
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 250 grams grated cheddar cheese
- 100 grams grated Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp mustard powder
- 2 hatch chiles, roasted and finely chopped
- Sliced bread for breadcrumbs
Ingredients:
- 250 grams macaroni
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 250 grams grated cheddar cheese
- 100 grams grated Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp mustard powder
- 2 hatch chiles, roasted and finely chopped
- Sliced bread for breadcrumbs
Hatch Chile Corn Fritters
Fritters are fried delicacies made from a batter of flour and eggs mixed with various ingredients. Corn fritters are a popular variation, especially in the Southern United States. By adding hatch chiles, you can create corn fritters with an extra savory and spicy kick.
Ingredients:
- 2 ears of fresh sweet corn, kernels removed
- 2 roasted hatch chiles, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped scallions (green onions)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornmeal
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- Cooking oil for frying
- Sambal sauce or mayonnaise for dipping
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the corn, hatch chiles, and scallions. Mix well.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, cornmeal, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
- In another bowl, whisk the egg and milk until well blended.
- Pour the egg mixture into the corn mixture. Stir until a thick batter forms.
- Heat frying oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Take a tablespoon of the batter and fry it in the hot oil for 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown. Repeat with the remaining batter.
- Drain the fritters on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Serve with sambal sauce or mayonnaise, as desired.
Hatch Chile Chicken Soup
Chicken soup is a warm and hearty dish, especially in the winter months. Adding hatch chiles gives it an aromatic and spicy twist.
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 hatch chiles, roasted and finely chopped
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 500 grams boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- Juice of 1 lime
- Tortilla chips, shredded cheese, avocado, and sour cream for garnish
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large pot.
- Sauté the chopped onion, minced garlic, hatch chiles, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper for 10 minutes or until the onion becomes tender and fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced chicken. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Stir in the cilantro and lime juice. Mix well.
- Serve with tortilla chips, shredded cheese, avocado, and sour cream to your liking.
Hatch Chile Chocolate Cake
Chocolate cake is a sweet and delightful dessert. By adding hatch chiles, you can create a unique and tantalizing chocolate cake with a spicy kick.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup boiling water
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup buttermilk (or 1/4 cup milk mixed with 1 tbsp vinegar)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 roasted hatch chiles, finely chopped
- 250 grams dark chocolate, chopped into small pieces
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius).
- Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with butter or use cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix well.
- In a small saucepan, heat the vegetable oil and boiling water over medium heat. Stir until combined.
- Pour the oil and water mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir well with a whisk or mixer.
- Add the eggs, buttermilk, vanilla extract, and hatch chiles. Mix until a smooth batter forms.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and level the surface.
- Sprinkle the chopped dark chocolate evenly over the batter.
- Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool before slicing and serving.
