Hatch chiles are a type of pepper grown in the Chile Captial of the World, Hatch, New Mexico. Hatch chilies are specifically grown in the Hatch Valley, New Mexico. They are known for their unique, smoky, slightly sweet flavor.
They can be found in grocery stores across the United States. Whether you like them mild or hot, there is a Hatch chili pepper out there that will suit your taste buds!
⬇️ Table of Contents
What Are Hatch Chiles?
In recent years, hatch peppers have become increasingly popular outside New Mexico. The prized chiles come in different sizes, usually around 4 to 6 inches long and tapered with a curved shape.
In the city of Hatch, chiles grow, experiencing intense sunlight and hot days. The area is famous for growing intensely flavorful spicy peppers. The 4000-foot elevation in the area provides cooler temperatures at night during the growing season.
The balance of sun to cool nights is the key to the overall flavor development.
🌶️ How Hot Are Hatch Chile Peppers?
The chiles belonging to the Capsicum species Annuum ranges in heat from mild to extremely hot, with the majority falling in the middle of the Scoville scale. Roasted Hatch chiles aren't as spicy hot; the roasting process brings out the natural sweetness and tones down the spice.
Scoville heat units (SHU): 1,000 – 8,000
For comparison, Jalapeno typically ranges from 2,500 to 5,000 units on the Scoville scale. However, some types of peppers like the Caroline Reaper measure as high as 2,000,000 on the Scoville scale, making the Hatch a very approachable chile.
Want to learn about different types of jalapenos? How Hot Are Jalapenos? 9 Types Discovered
📅 When is Hatch Chile Season?
Hatch Chile is typically in season from August to October.
However, they may be available year-round in some areas. If you're looking for fresh Hatch green chiles, your best bet is to head to the supermarket or farmers market during the late summer or early fall. This is when they are typically in season.
However, depending on where you live, you may be able to find them year-round. Hatch chile can also be purchased canned, frozen, or dried. These forms of pepper are typically available year-round.
When selecting fresh peppers, look for firm and brightly colored ones. Avoid peppers that are soft, wrinkled, or have spots of mold.
The peppers can be stored in the fridge for up to two weeks. If you need to store them for longer, they can be frozen for up to six months.
What Do Hatch Green Chiles Taste Like?
Most people say that Hatch chile tastes buttery, earthy, and sweet. When eaten raw, they have a crisp texture but become softer and more tender when cooked.
The majority of Hatch peppers are green, but they can also be found in shades of orange, red, and brown.
🌱 Can I Grow Hatch Chile Peppers?
Yes, you can grow Hatch chile peppers. They grow well in warm climates.
If you're interested in growing your own Hatch chile peppers, there are a few things you need to know. First, the plants need lots of sunlight, so make sure you plant them in a location where they will get at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day.☀️
They also require regular watering, so keep the soil moist at all times. The peppers will ripen in late summer or early fall and be ready to harvest when they turn a deep color.
When ripe, they will have a smooth, waxy exterior and become a deep green, or the chiles will turn a bright red if left on the vine.
Hatch chile is a great option for those who want to add a bit of heat to their dishes without overdoing it. They can be easily grown in your backyard with the proper care. Give them a try and see for yourself!
Hatch Chile Recipes
Hatch peppers can be used in various dishes, both cooked and raw. They can be added to soups and stews, diced and used as a topping on nachos or tacos, or simply enjoyed on their own as a flavorful and fiery snack.
When cooked, the flesh becomes softer and more tender. Some popular recipes that use Hatch peppers include:
Hatch Chile Enchiladas: This dish is made by rolling corn tortillas filled with cheese and chicken topped with Hatch green chile peppers sauce.
Hatch Chiles Rellenos are a delicious dish that uses roasted green chiles as the main ingredient, then stuffed and fried.
Green Chile Stew: This stew is made with pork, hominy, potatoes, and Hatch green chiles.
Hatch Chile Deviled Eggs: Hard-boiled eggs are peeled and then filled with a mixture of mayonnaise, green chiles, and mustard.
Hatch Chile Margarita: A classic Margarita gets a kick from the addition of Hatch green chiles.
While these are some of the most popular ways, there are many other possibilities. So get creative and see what you can come up with!
How To Cook with Hatch Chile Peppers
When cooking with Hatch peppers, it's important to remember that they have a much higher heat level than most other varieties. If you're not used to spicy food, add a small amount to your dish, and work your way up to your preferred spice level.
One easy way to enjoy them is to dice them up and add them to a salad. You can also roast them whole or use them in sauces or marinades. For a delicious main course, try stuffing Hatch peppers with rice, ground beef, cheese, and spices.
Traditionally Hatch chiles are roasted using large roasting cages
A creative take on using Hatch chiles would be making a version of Adobo sauce using the Hatch as the base pepper instead of the Jalapeno.
Want to learn how to make Adobo sauce using Hatch or Jalapenos? Adobo Sauce Recipe | The Ultimate Guide
The next level of creativity is making a smoked Hatch chile in the style of Chipotle. The only difference is the choice of pepper. What Are Chipotle Peppers?
How To Slice Chile Peppers Without Burning Your Skin
Nature's secret tip to slicing chili peppers using the natural handle.
FAQ's
What Is The Difference Between Hatch Chiles and Anaheim Peppers?
Hatch chiles have a higher Scoville rating than Anaheims ranging from 1,000 to 8,000 units on the scale. They offer more heat than
Anaheims, but still provide an enjoyable flavor for those who don’t like too much spice.
How Can I Tell If A Hatch Chile Is Ripe?
Do Hatch Peppers Need To Be Peeled?
Additionally, leaving the skin on helps to retain more nutrients from the pepper, such as vitamin C and phytochemicals. To prepare Hatch peppers without peeling them, simply wash them thoroughly before using them in your desired recipe.
Which Is Hotter Red or Green Hatch Chile?
Green Hatch chiles are harvested earlier and tend to be less spicy.
Both chiles have a great flavor, with red Hatch chiles being slightly sweeter and spicier. The heat level of each can vary depending on the growing conditions in which they are grown.
Wanting More Spicy?
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📖 Recipe
How To Roast Hatch Chiles
Suggested Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound Hatch Green Chiles A pound of Hatch chile equals about 8 to 9.
Instructions
#1 Oven Broiler
- Preheat broiler. Place the chiles under the broiler for 6 to 8 minutes or until the skin blackens and blisters.
#2 Cowboy
- Heat a comal (the cast-iron griddle used to heat tortillas) or iron skillet. Place several chiles on it and turn until they blacken and blister.
#3 Rangetop
- Cover gas or electric burner with a layer of heavy wire mesh. Once the mesh is hot, place the chiles on top. Remove once the skins have blackened and blistered.
#4 Grill
- Place the chiles on a charcoal or gas grill about 5 to 6 inches above the heat source. Roasting until the skins have blackened and or blistered.
How To Remove Hatch Chile Skins
- Once the chiles are blistered and blackened all over, place them in a paper bag for about 10 minutes to steam. This process will complete the softening of the peppers' skins for easy removal. Put on a pair of kitchen gloves to protect the skin on your hands from the natural chile oils to ensure you do not burn yourself. Then take the chiles out of the bag, and remove the skins by running them under cool water and rubbing them gently. The skin should come right off.
Notes
Hatch Chile Storage:
Hatch chiles can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze them for later use. Recipe To TryHatch Green Chile and Potato Soup Recipe
This delicious soup is perfect for a chilly day. It's easy to make and packed with flavor. Ingredients:-5 cups chicken or vegetable stock
-1 ½ pounds Yukon gold potatoes, diced
-1 large onion, diced
-4 cloves garlic, minced
-2 tablespoons olive oil
-3 Hatch green chiles, diced
-1 teaspoon salt
-½ teaspoon black pepper
-1 cup half and half
-¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions: 1. In a large pot, bring the stock to a boil. Add the potatoes, onion, garlic, olive oil, Hatch chiles, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are cooked.
2. Stir in half and half and cilantro. Serve hot.
2. Hatch Green Chile and Cheese Quesadillas Recipe
These quesadillas are packed with flavor and make a perfect appetizer or snack. Ingredients:
-8 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
-4 Hatch green chiles, diced
-6 tortillas
Instructions: 1. In a bowl, mix together the cheese and Hatch chiles.
2. Place two tortillas on a work surface. Divide the cheese mixture evenly among the tortillas and spread it out evenly. Top with the remaining tortillas. Press down gently to form quesadillas.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the quesadillas for 2-3 minutes per side until they are golden brown and the cheese is melted. Serve hot.
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