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Jalapeno Chile Peppers - Topics Index |
Jalapeno Chili
Definition |
Where to Buy |
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Varieties |
Recipes |
| Uses and
Product Types |
Other
References |
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fresh green jalapeno
pepper
Jalapeno chilies
[hah-lah-PEH-nyoh]
are thick, leathery dark green or red chiles that contains quite a bit
of heat. The Jalapeno is one of the most commonly
grown chiles in Mexico and probably the most common chile pepper in the
U.S. When the jalapeno is smoked and dried it is called a "chipotle".
The name "jalapeno" is derived from "Jalapa" the capitol of Veracruz,
Mexico. The chiles average 2" to 2 1/2" in length and about 1" in
diameter.
The use of this chile dates back to the Aztecs who were the first known
to smoke the chiles. Jalapenos are so thick and fleshy that they
can't be dried to preserve them because they'll rot before they will
dry.
Uses and Product Types
The Jalapeno is very
versatile and is used fresh, roasted, filled, as well as pickled. It can
be diced and used in fresh salsas and pico de gallo or atop any dish
where a little extra "heat" is desired. The pickled versions are
used as a condiment. Jalapenos are also used in cooked dishes.
Heat
Scale
The Jalapeno is considered a moderate to hot chile or a 5 on a scale of 1
to 10 (10 being the hottest).
How to Buy & Store
Jalapeno Peppers, Fresh
Select chiles that are firm and smooth. A wrinkled chile means it is
old. As
with most produce jalapenos are best used fresh but you can store them
for several days, refrigerated. See the where to buy section for
purchasing information.
Jalapeno Powder
A few companies offer a
Jalapeno powder although it
is not particularly useful. It will add heat to food but not a lot of
flavor.
Jalapeno Chiles, Whole
Dried (Chipotle)
As
mentioned before, in the dried and smoked form, the jalapeno is called
"chipotle" and is available in Mexican markets and
online.
Jalapenos
en Escabeche
Available
in cans or jars in most Mexican and many non-ethic grocery stores. La
Morena is one of the best quality products and La Costena and Herdez are
quite popular as well. If you like to make your own, fresh, here is a
recipe. (Jalapenos en Escabeche)
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Where to Buy
Jalapenos have become ubiquitous and are available in
most grocery stores.
Chiliplants.com - Want
to grow your own Jalapeno plants? The best source on the web for plant seedlings.
Other
References
Complete
List Of Jalapeno Recipes - GourmetSleuthOver
30 recipes using the Jalapeno.
Chili Heat
Scale - GourmetSleuth, list of chili peppers, including photographs, and
their relative and Scovile heat rating.
How To
Roast Chili Peppers - GourmetSleuth, simple instructions for roasting chilies
or tomatillos.
Mortar
and Pestle (Molcajete) - GourmetSleuth, read about the history of the
Molcajete as well as other classic mortar and pestle tools.
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Stove-top dry roasting grill for chiles, tomatoes. Available
at Gourmetsleuth.
 Featured Recipe
Pork
Tenderloin With Stilton, Port, and Jalapenos
GourmetSleuth -
Pork
tenderloin is pan fried, roasted and topped with a simple and delicious
sauce made with broth, cream, Stilton cheese and jalapeno chile peppers.
More
Jalapeno Recipes
Browse - our Goumetsleuth files of all recipes that use Jalapeno peppers.
Jalapeno Butter
Ingredients:
1/2 white onion, chopped
1/2 red onion, chopped
4 Jalapeno chiles, chopped fine
1 chipotle chile
1/8 cup chopped garlic
2 bay leaves
6 black peppercorns
1/2 cup white wine
1/2 cup lime juice
2 cups heavy cream
1 1/2 lb. butter, softened
salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Saute onion, chiles, garlic, bay leaves, and peppercorns in olive oil until
dark brown. Add wine and lime juice and reduce until almost dry. Add cream
and then reduce by half. Slowly incorporate butter, whipping continuously.
Season with salt and pepper.
Yields approximately 2 pounds.
Grow
Your Own
Jalapenos are easy to grow if you have a sunny spot in your yard.
Find seeds at the
Chile Pepper Institute
Jalapeno Peppers |
