Anaheim Ideas

Hank · Jul 19, 2006

I dunno where I should post this....Any ideas appreciated.

As I mentioned in my hello howdooyadoo post, I'm growing Anaheim's this year. Well, I woulda never known it, but them buggers is huge! Dern plant is over 2' tall (60 cm fer ya Canuckies) and is still growing. Peppers are 8-9" long. I guess the horse manure did it's job. That's not the concern, just more surprise on my part.

My concern is what do I do with these things? They don't have much for heat, but they do have a pleasant flavor. Too thick of walls fer drying, I think. I googled around and only come up with recipes for chili relenos. Seems kinda limited in their usability. Also, the recipes I've found say to roast them and peel them before use. Is this a recommendation or a rule?

Any idears? Any recipes? Can ya help a brother out?

imaguitargod · Jul 19, 2006

Fill them with cheese, rice, bacon chuncks and bbq those suckers!

setzuanfire · Jul 20, 2006

Yup, roast'em & peel'em-all Numex types need that outer skin removed. Just roast them on a grill or broil in the oven till they start to blister (do it all over the pod), then put'em in a paper bag for a few minutes so the steam loosens up that skin. Your other option is to let them ripen good and red, then (without roasting and peeling) dehydrate them for powdering later. Some folks rehydrate whole pods, puree, and then strain them for a good red sauce base. If they're not hot enough, just add a little serrano or xalapa! brookthecook

P_Schneider · Jul 20, 2006

I like to dice them up and use them fresh in salads. They do have good flavor.

Hank · Jul 21, 2006

What's so bad about the skin? It doesnt' seem to be tough or bitter. I don't get it. Slap some smart into me.

imaguitargod · Jul 21, 2006

Hank said:
Slap some smart into me.

:: slap ::

Always carry duct tape with you!

setzuanfire · Jul 24, 2006

If you chop up fresh numex pods, the skins feel like you're chewing lttle bits of plastic, plus I don't think they digest very well. Kinda like eating stems.

Hank · Jul 24, 2006

Ok, I picked a bigger one, about 8". And yep, that skin is kinda chewy. Looks like I'll be roasting afterall.

Tina Brooks · Jul 26, 2006

If you blanch them quickly then drop them in ice water, the skins come off really easily.

imaguitargod · Jul 26, 2006

I like your new icon Hank!

darthcarl · Jul 26, 2006

setzuanfire said:
Yup, roast'em & peel'em-all Numex types need that outer skin removed. Just roast them on a grill or broil in the oven till they start to blister (do it all over the pod), then put'em in a paper bag for a few minutes so the steam loosens up that skin.

yep. then use them anywhere you would use a nice slice of meat. I love a roasted chili on my club sandwiches. chop and add to your salsa recipe to give it a more chili flavor. and my favorite soup...chili verde