Main Dishes

Chayote and Pineapple Chimichangas

Makes 8 servings A chimichanga is essentially a fried burrito, so this recipe starts with a homemade tortilla dough. Don’t be intimidated (also don’t be afraid to substitute prepared burrito-sized tortillas)! The dough comes together easily for a tender, crisp exterior. The filling is made up of chayote, a tender […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

Chile Varieties and How to Use Them

There are two basic types of peppers: sweet peppers and chiles. Sweet peppers are sometimes called bell peppers because of their shape. Sweet peppers of various colors have similar flavors, though red and yellow varieties tend to be sweeter. Chiles, an important ingredient in many cuisines, are available in various […]

Chef's Notes Plus

Chiles of Mexican Cuisine

Use this glossary to help identify chiles in recipes or to pick out what to try next! FRESH CHILES Anaheim (C. annuum) These light-green, rather flat-looking chiles will measure about 6 inches long and 2 inches wide, gradually tapering to a blunt end; they may have squared-off or sloping shoulders, […]

Chef's Notes Plus

Chiles: The World’s Most Versatile Fruit

Chiles are actually a fruit that belong to the genus Capsicum. Most of the chiles found in Mexico belong to the Capsicum annuum species, save for the chile manzano (C. pubescens), and the chile habanero (C. chinense). Based on archeological remains we know that chiles were being consumed over seven […]

Salads, Side Dishes

Insalata di Riso (Rice Salad)

Serves 8 to 10 Make this with whole grains such as brown rice, spelt, or barley if you prefer. Increase the cooking time for these grains and cook them long enough to be tender to the bite.

One-Dish Meals

Sausage with Sweet and Sour Peppers

Makes 4 to 6 servings Agrodolce is the Italian term for a sweet and sour sauce. Usually a reduction of vinegar and sugar, it is used to top meats, vegetables, sandwiches—anything, really! This recipe creates a quick and easy agrodolce right in the pan, which helps to soften the peppers […]

Chef's Notes Plus

Stuffed Peppers Without a Recipe

There are tons of stuffed pepper recipes in the world, but you don’t need a recipe to make a hearty make-ahead dinner with all the ingredients your family likes best. There are four primary components of a basic stuffed pepper: the pepper, the substance, the flavor, and the sauce. The […]