Chile Peppers

Photo: Renee

Preparation

To roast chile peppers: Cut a slit near the stem of each chile pepper.

Skewer chile peppers and sear over an open flame, 6" to 10" from heat. Turn chilies, until blistered all over (if not removing skin) or until slightly burned, but not blackened (if removing skin), about 8 minutes. Or place chilies on a grilling rack or baking sheet and broil in oven 4" from heat for about 8 minutes.

If not removing skin, cool, chop and use immediately.

If removing skin, place chilies in an airtight container or paper bag. Seal and let sweat for 20 minutes. When cool enough to handle, remove chilies one by one and slip off skins or peel with a paring knife.

To prepare chilies for stuffing: Roast and peel chile peppers as directed above. Cut a circle around the stem and detach the core with the seeds.

Carefully scrape out any remaining seeds.

To remove some of the heat from a chile pepper: Wash the chile and cut it lengthwise. Remove the seeds and ribs, where heat-producing capsium is most concentrated.

Soak the chile flesh in an equal mixture of cold water and vinegar before using.

To remove some of the heat from a chile papper recipe: For simmering dishes, cut a few slits in a whole chile, skewer it on a toothpick and add it to the dish while cooking. Remove and discard the chile before serving.