Tips for using Hatch Green Chiles

Hatch green chiles in a large roasting basket — Flames roast a large rotating basket of Hatch green chiles

There is something special about the smell of roasting chiles. My eyes water at the aroma of heat and spice all wrapped into that packet of charred goodness. The flavor of these fresh green chiles are transformed by the flames, gaining a depth that only the heat can bring forth.

Chile roasting time

You know it's fall when our local Chile Diva shows up in the parking lot of the hardware store with her chile roaster and bushels of fresh Hatch green chiles. The chiles are shoveled into the roaster drum, and like the tiles of a bingo game are dumped in a cage. They are cranked around and around as the flames beneath the propane roaster lick at the chiles and char the bright green skins.

Blistering chile skins

When the skins are more black than green and the flesh has softened, it's time to pull them out of the roaster. They're placed in plastic bags where they will sweat and the skins will blister. This is an important part of the process because it allows the skins to just slip off.

green chiles on the grill — Needing just a few roasted chiles? Roast them on your home grill.

roasted chiles on the grill — Needing just a few roasted chiles? Roast them on your home grill.

Some Hatch green chile FAQ's

What is so special about Hatch green chiles?

The growing conditions in the Hatch Valley of New Mexico is renowned for producing some of the best green chiles. Their 80-day growing season produces a meaty, long pod with a deep, warm flavor.

Are Hatch green chiles spicy?

There are numerous varieties of Hatch chiles, with varying amounts of heat. You can moderate some of the heat (measured by it's capsaicin level) in your chiles by removing all or some of the veins on the inside of the pods. You can also remove the seeds, but they aren't the biggest source of the capsaicin. Use gloves to protect your hands as you work with spicy chiles of any type.

Where can I buy Hatch green chiles?

You can stop by a roadside roasting stand if you are in the West. Most of the grocery stores will also sell frozen or canned Hatch green chiles. For fresh chiles, in the fall you can order from the New Mexico Connection website and they'll ship them to you.

How do I roast chiles at home?

Roasting chiles over a flame can be done at home over a gas stove or better yet, on your outdoor grill. Place the chiles over the flame, turning frequently with tongs to char all sides of the pod. After about 10 minutes over medium heat the skin will have patches of black and the pod will become limp. Remove the roasted chiles from the grill to a plastic bag. The chiles will "sweat" their skins off in the closed bag after 15 minutes. Next, remove the chiles from their plastic bag and let them cool. With food handling gloves to protect your hands from the capsaicin, peel away the chard skin.

How do I store roasted chiles?

As soon as you get home with your freshly roasted chiles, remove the chiles from their plastic bag and let them cool. With food handling gloves to protect your hands from the capsaisin, peel away the chard skin. They can be frozen whole or chopped for

Chile roasting time

Blistering chile skins

Some Hatch green chile FAQ's

More Cooking Basics

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