Hatch Chile Peppers Are Here; Sendik's Hosts Roasting Events

MILWAUKEE COUNTY, WI — The Hatch chile pepper is a favorite among roasters and chile aficionados everywhere and Sendik's is hosting special roasting events throughout the area coming up in August.

Over two August weekends, select Sendik’s locations will offer a unique variety of items made with Hatch chile peppers, and host its popular roasting that is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

Peppers are also available for shoppers to purchase and use in their own recipes, from Hatch chile pepper enchiladas and stews, to flavorful ice creams and desserts.

What’s a Hatch Green Chile?

These long green chile peppers are exclusively grown in the Mesilla Valley near Hatch, New Mexico, and they are now in season!
Hatch Chiles look a bit like Anaheim Peppers but they are quite a bit spicier - the Extra Hot Hatch variety is typically hotter than a jalapeno.
The robust, spicy flavor of the Hatch Chile makes it a beloved pepper for chile fans (aka "chile heads"), who go nuts for the zesty aroma as they are roasted over an open flame.
Hatch Chile Peppers are ideal for roasting, which enhances the flavor and intensifies the heat level

Hatch Roasting Events In Your Area

Hatch Chile Pepper Roasting events will take place at the following times and Sendik’s locations:
● Saturday, Aug. 19, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. - Franklin (5200 W. Rawson Ave.) and West Bend (280 N. 18th Ave.)
● Sunday, Aug. 20, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. - Whitefish Bay (500 E. Silver Spring Dr.) and West Milwaukee (1740 Miller Park Way)
● Saturday, Aug. 26, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. - New Berlin (3600 S. Moorland Rd.) and Grafton (2195 1st Ave.)
● Sunday, Aug. 27, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. - Greenfield (7901 W. Layton Ave.) and Waukesha-Meadowbrook (701 Meadowbrook Rd.)

How to roast Hatch Chiles at home

First, put on a pair of plastic gloves. These chiles are spicy. Don’t touch your mouth or eyes after handling them! Next, wash the chiles and pat dry. Slice a lengthwise slit in the fresh chile and remove the seeds with a spoon. (Leave the stems on.) Then, use one of these roasting methods:

1. On the grill Place peppers directly on the (gas-powered) grill on high heat. Allow the flames to blister and blacken the skin. Turn peppers to char other side. Get free real-time news alerts from theLos Alamitos-Seal Beach Patch. By clicking "Subscribe", you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

2. In the oven Place chiles on a baking sheet in the oven on high-heat broiler setting - about 5 inches from the broiler element. The skin will blister and turn black, and your home will be filled with spicy pepper aroma. Turn the peppers to get all sides charred evenly. Once the skin is evenly charred, place hot roasted chiles in a paper (or plastic) bag to steam and “sweat” for 15 minutes. This helps loosen the skins. (Alternatively, you cover them with a damp kitchen towel for 15 minutes.)

Serving Ideas
Slip the skins off your freshly roasted chiles (keep those gloves on). Keep them whole and stuff with cheese for chile rellenos, or chop for salsas, sauces, chili, tamales, breads, etc. (Recipes at www.friedas.com)

How to freeze
Hatch Chile aficionados recommend freezing whole roasted Hatch Chiles (with or without seeds, depending on heat preference) with skins on. When ready to use, defrost and skins should peel more easily.
Enjoy!

Get Yours In Advance

Unroasted Hatch chile peppers (medium or hot) are available for $2.99 per pound, and roasted Hatch chile peppers are available for $3.99 per pound. Shoppers can purchase a 25 lb. case of roasted Hatch chile peppers, and also a variety of items made with the peppers, including Bacon Hatch Pepper Flatbread Pizza and Roasted Hatch Pepper Corn Salad. For more information and to pre-order Hatch chile peppers, visit www.sendiks.com/hatch

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image via flickr creative commons