How To Roast Fresh Chile Peppers
Chiles roasted over an open flame, or in the oven, impart a delicious smoky flavor to salsas or any dish that uses chiles. The methods mentioned below in general work well for roasting tomatoes and garlic as well.

Warning
Always wear gloves when working with hot chile peppers.  This is no time to be macho.   Never touch your eyes when working with chiles, fresh or dried.

Gas Stove
This method works well for roasting a small quantity of chile peppers but it does not work well for tomatoes or garlic.  Use a long handled cooking fork with a handle made with a non heat-conducting material.  Pierce the pepper with the fork and hold the pepper over a gas flame (or grill flame), about 4" from the heat source.  Keep turning the pepper until it is evenly charred on all sides. The pepper skins should turn black when properly roasted.  Place the roasted peppers in a plastic bag and seal the bag.   (You can also use a small wire grilling basket and char a few peppers at a time.) 

Dry Grill
For tomatoes, garlic, or a larger quantity of chiles you can use a stove-top grill such as the one shown below. This fits over a gas or electric burner.  Sit the chiles on top and turn occasionally to allow even charring. (Product available at Gourmetsleuth.com)

Oven Method
(Works well for chiles, garlic and tomatoes)
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) Spread the peppers evenly on a cookie sheet, in a single layer. Roast the peppers for about 4-5 minutes until the skins blister. Watch carefully so they do not burn.  Place the roasted peppers in a plastic bag and seal the bag.

Clean and Peel
Allow the chile peppers to sweat in the bag for about 10 to 15 minutes. When you remove them from the bag they will be easy to peel.  Rinse the peppers under cool running water (wear gloves!).  Peel the chile, remove and discard the skin, seeds, and the veins.   (It may be desirable to have a small amount of the charred skin remain, depending on the dish.  This can be a flavorful addition to fresh salsa).

Smoked Chile Peppers - Chipotle
Chipotle peppers are smoked jalapeno peppers.   Read more about this flavorful chile.

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