Last Updated November 7th, 2021 at 09:16 pm by Lisa
You will find over 50+ amazing New Mexico Hatch Chile recipes here, and tons of cooking tips on how to roast, prep, and freeze them at home.
With a short 2 month Hatch Chile season (mid-August through September), we must wait 10 months for the next season to roll around! Let's talk about how to find roasting events near you at your local grocery store, or roast them at home so you can enjoy these delicious chiles all year long. Whether you buy them already roasted or do it yourself, the Hatch Chile has a loyal following of "chile heads" across the USA.
So many recipe ideas for you like salsas, main dishes of mac and cheese, and even bloody mary mix are some of the many ways to enjoy them. With a short season, enjoy it and stock up with some of the tips we talk about here today...
Why Are Hatch Chiles So Special?
- Also known as New Mexico Chiles, they are in season late summer (August) into the early fall of September. Since they are only available for a short time, they are super popular for many dishes in the Southwest and that is what all the hoopla is about!
- These inspire a cultish frenzy among chile heads and it’s not hard to see why. Boasting intense sunlight by day and a still coolness during the night, the Mesilla Valley region they’re grown in gives this chile variety and unique flavor unlike any other.
- Peppery with a bright citrus finish with variations in spiciness from mild to medium-hot.
- Grown in the valley, which stretches along the Rio Grande’s southern-most bend before crossing into Texas and Mexico, is covered with row after row of these green leafy chile plants for most of the summer.
- Chefs say that the intense sunlight and cool nights in this valley result in a uniquely flavored chile that's unrivaled by any other.
Where Does The Name Come From?
Named after the original growing area in Hatch, New Mexico, authentic Hatch Chiles are truly a Southwestern favorite. No other chile is prized more than this variety which grows in the Hatch Valley, just north of Las Cruces New Mexico.
Where are they grown? Authentic Hatch Chiles are a favorite Southwestern chile and are named after the original growing area in Hatch, New Mexico.
And receive a free recipe ebook as our thank you.
Today, most are grown in the Mesilla Valley just north of Las Cruces, New Mexico. Well known, especially in the states of New Mexico, Texas, and Arizona, and used in many different dishes.
How To Pick Fresh Chiles
- choose ones with a bright green color
- the skin of the should be glossy, not dull
- pick firm chiles with medium to thick flesh
- avoid chiles with soft spots or cuts
How To Roast Hatch Chiles At Home
How To Store Prior To Roasting
Refrigerate, unwashed in a plastic bag for up to 5 days.
Prep For Roasting
- In a large bowl, rinse your Hatch chiles in cool water.
- Heat your grill on medium high, place your stainless grill tray over the burner. It isn't necessary, you can grill the chiles right on the grill grate but helps to roast them more evenly.
- Space them in a single layer, and turn using long tongs until black char blisters form on each side of the chiles.
How To Grilled Hatch Chiles
STEP 1: Transfer roasted chiles to a platter to cool. Some people place in a bag or other container that you can close - you want them to sweat. Mine peel just fine without this step.
STEP 2: Allow the chiles to cool, then cut the stem end off first. Next, on a cutting board pull all the tough outer skin of the chiles off. Use a small waste bowl to discard the seeds, stems, and skin.
STEP 3: Dice the clean Hatch Chiles into small dice, and either use in your recipe or seal in an airtight freezer-safe bag in the freezer - see below for more storage tips.
STEP 4: Freeze and store processed Hatch chiles for use all year long. Look below for more ideas.
What if I Can't Find Them, What is a Good Substitute?
If you can't find fresh Hatch Chiles, they are similar to Anaheim or California chiles. The one thing is they must be roasted to bring out their special flavor and taste and to remove their tough outer skins. When Hatch chiles are not easily available in August, you can use green Anaheim chiles instead.
Also, look for dried Hatch Chiles, they are shelf-stable for 12 months and can be ready to use in minutes, With just a quick toast and soak in water is all you need to re-hydrate dried chiles!
What Is A Hatch Chile Roast?
Hatch Chiles are roasted with high direct gas flames and heat in a roasting machine that turns the chiles constantly. Once they are dark black and blistered, they are put in plastic to start removing their tough outer skins.
You don't want to eat the skins on these chiles, it is thick and tough. This roasting was at Gelson's markets, and they sell both fresh and roasted Hatch Chiles ready to go in container boxes.
Where Do I Find Hatch Chile Roasts?
Becoming more and more popular every year, local supermarkets are now hosting “Hatch Chile Roasts” where you can buy and have them roasted right in front of you!
Check with your local supermarkets online, some in our area that offer roasts are Albertsons, Gelson's, Bristol Farms, Pavilions, Safeway, and Smart and Final.
FoodSaver Bags: Dice the roasted Hatch Chiles, and store them in airtight bags. FoodSaver bags are ideal, as you want to keep as much air out of the bag as possible because the chiles get mushy if ice crystals form on them. Good for up to 12-18 months in the freezer.
Zip-Top Bags: Alternatively, use a small zip-top bag, and press all the air out before sealing and freezing. Good for up to 4-6 months in the freezer.
Some Hatch chiles are mild with heat levels similar to the Anaheim or poblano pepper (around 1,000 – 1,500 Scoville heat units); others can meet the heat of a serrano (8,000+ SHU). The mediums are near equal heat to a jalapeño pepper, somewhere in the 2,000 – 4,000 SHU range.
A Ristra is an arrangement of drying chile pepper pods, garlic bulbs, or other vegetables like onions. Typically, large chiles such as New Mexico Hatch Chiles and Anaheim peppers are used, although any kind of chile may be used to construct a ristra. Take a look at Chef Ida as she makes a beautiful Ristra, what a nice give to someone who loves to cook!
50+ Hatch Chile Recipes
Hatch Chiles have a meaty flesh and mild-medium heat making them ideal for use in Chile Con Queso, Chile Rellenos, and Chile Verde. You can also try roasting and using them in salads, soups, stews, dips, and sandwiches.
They’re best enjoyed after being roasted and can be added to so many different recipes such as Empanadas, Quesadillas, and even Ice Cream!
- Hatch Chile-Glazed Chicken by A Communal Table
- Blue Cheese Stuffed Hatch Chile Burgers by Melissa's Produce
- Roasted Hatch Chile Hummus by Three Olives Branch
- Fried Cheese with Hatch Chile Dipping Sauce by Melissa's Produce
- Grilled Rib Eye With Hatch Chile Avocado Salsa by Cooking Chat
- Hatch Chile Grilled Cheese Sandwich by Melissa's Produce
- Hatch Chile and Corn Fritters by A Communal Table
- New Mexico Hatch Green Chile Sauce by Culinary Ginger
- Hatch Chile Grilled Quesadilla by Melissa's Produce
- Hatch Chile Deviled Eggs by Melissa's Produce
- Hatch Chile Cheddar Egg Bites by What A Girl Eats
- Hatch Chile With Turkey by Cooking Chat
- Roasted Hatch Mac n Cheese by Melissa's Produce
- Gluten-Free Baked Hatch Chile Rellenos by Moon And Spoon And Yum
- Potato and Hatch Chile Au Gratin by Melissa's Produce
- New Mexico Hatch Chile Casserole with Chef Ida's Roasted Tomatillo Salsa by Melissa's Produce
- Spiced Pork Stuffed Hatch Chile by The Flavor Bender
- Easy Hatch Chile Chocolate Chip Cookies by Melissa's Produce
- Hatch Chile and Lemon Rice Salad by A Communal Table
- Hatch Chile-Cheese Biscuits by Melissa's Produce
- Low Carb Hatch Chile Rellenos Casserole by What A Girl Eats
- Hatch Chile and Vanilla Bean Ice Cream by Melissa's Produce
- Stuffed Roasted Hatch Green Chile by Chef de Home
- Shrimp Hatch Chile Jalapeno Poppers by Melissa's Produce
- Hatch Green Chile Mashed Potatoes by Erica's Recipes
- New Mexico Hatch Chile Dogs by Melissa's Produce
- Grilled Baby Artichokes with Hatch Chile Dusted Hollandaise
- Crudite with Hot Hatch Chile Greek Yogurt
- Ground Beef Tacos with New Mexico Hatch Chiles
- Hatch Chile Braciole with Bristol Farms Pasta Sauce
- Hatch Chile Devils Food Cookies
- Hatch Chile Farro Risotto
- Hatch Chile Guacamole
- Hatch Chile Jelly
- Hatch Chile Sauce
- Hatch Chile Smores
- Hatch Chile Stuffed Roasted Pork Tenderloin
- Lentil Baby Dutch Yellow Potato & Hatch Chile Soup
- Meaty Cheesy Bread with New Mexico Hatch Chiles
- New Mexico Hatch Chile Casserole with Chef Ida's Roasted Tomatillo Salsa
- Party Chili with New Mexico Hatch Chiles
- Pretzel Bread Bites with Hatch Chile Mustard Spread
- Quick Hatch Chile Salsa Fresca
- Roasted Kale Sprouts and Cauliflower with Hatch Chile and Fresh Turmeric
- Shredded Beef Burritos with New Mexico Hatch Chiles
- Shredded Chicken Burritos with New Mexico Hatch Chiles
- Veggie Cheesy Bread with New Mexico Hatch Chiles
- Vibrant Summer Salad with Hatch Chile Vinaigrette
More Of My Recipes With Hatch Chiles
This Bloody Mary Mix Recipe has beautiful fire-roasted green chiles, (or Hatch Chiles) tomatoes, and onions. Serve these for brunch and game days, after tasting these amazing bloody marys, you will never want the bottled mix again...
Tomatillo Salsa takes 20 minutes to make. This homemade salsa uses Hatch chiles, but you can use Anaheim or Poblanos peppers with a Jalapeno in this recipe.
Homemade salsa has a fresh taste you will never get out of a jar or from any store. The fire-grilled flavor and medium heat in this homemade salsa will have people loving each and every bite...
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Hatch Chiles ~ 50+ Recipe Ideas!
Ingredients
Roasted Hatch Chiles
- 1 pound Hatch Chiles
Instructions
Prep For Roasting Hatch Chiles
- In a large bowl, rinse your Hatch chiles in cool water.
How To Grlll/Roast Hatch Chiles
- Heat your grill on medium high, place your stainless grill tray over the burner. It isn't necessary, you can grill the chiles right on the grill grate but helps to roast them more evenly.
- Space the Hatch chiles in a single layer, and turn using long tongs until black char blisters form on each side of the chiles.
How To Process Grilled Hatch Chiles
- Transfer roasted chiles to a platter to cool. Some people place in a bag or other container that you can close - you want them to sweat. Mine peel just fine without this step.
- Allow the chiles to cool, then cut the stem end off first. Next, on a cutting board pull all the tough outer skin of the chiles off. Use a small waste bowl to discard the seeds, stems, and skin.
- Dice the clean Hatch Chiles into a small dice, and either use in your recipe or seal in an airtight freezer safe bag in the freezer - see below for more storage tips.
Notes
How To Pick The Best Fresh Hatch Chiles
- choose bright green hatch chiles
- the skin of the hatch chile should be glossy
- pick firm hatch chiles with medium to thick flesh
- avoid chiles with soft spots or cuts
How To Store Hatch Chiles Prior To Roasting
- Refrigerate, unwashed in a plastic bag for up to 5 days
How To Store Freeze Hatch Chiles
- FoodSaver Bags: Dice the roasted Hatch Chiles, and store in airtight bags. FoodSaver bags are ideal, as you want to keep as much air out of the bag as possible because the chiles get mushy if ice crystals form on them. Good for up to 12-18 months in the freezer.
- Zip-Top Bags: Alternatively, use a small zip-top bag, and press all the air out before sealing and freezing. Good for up to 4-6 months in the freezer.
I like to roast these wonderful chilis over oak coals and after they have sweated and cooled, just put straight into zip lock freezer bags with all the air rolled out. The chared skins protect them and just slip the skins off just before use when thawed. The wood fire produces a great flavor!
That is a great tip Duane! I will try that next time....sounds so easy. The oak coals would add some great depth of flavor too! Thanks so much for adding your tips.
Just had a bushel arrive today, looking forward to trying these recipes, I'll be sure to let you know how they are!
Hey John, how exciting! By the way Hatch Chiles freeze really well. I first roast them, chop into small pieces, and freeze in ziplock/airtight containers, or vacuum seal. It's wonderful to use them in recipes all year. Happy Roasting! Let us know which recipes you try and love!
What great information! So many delicious things to make I hardly know where to start!
Cathy! Thank you very much for your kind words, fun right?...you have some amazing Hatch Chile recipes! (Let me know if you want me to add a couple into this post and I will!) Huge Hugs...
Lisa - awesome post. I have the Hatch fever and stalk my local Michigan store which has the roaster for five whole weeks this summer. Love Melissa's. Love this feast. Great info on how to use and store etc in your post. Well done! Katy
Hey Katy!!!! Awww thank you so much, they are all the rage, many of our markets in So Cal are roasting them out in front and selling them ready to take home! Fun post to put together, hope you are well my friend! XO
This is AWESOME! Thanks, Lisa!! I actually just picked up my first ever hatch chiles last night after being convinced to try them by an employee at the grocery store. I'll have to try one of these recipes ASAP!