Chef's Notes Plus

Chiles: The World’s Most Versatile Fruit

Chiles are actually a fruit that belong to the genus Capsicum. Most of the chiles found in Mexico belong to the Capsicum annuum species, save for the chile manzano (C. pubescens), and the chile habanero (C. chinense). Based on archeological remains we know that chiles were being consumed over seven […]

Allergen Friendly, Main Dishes

Chilled Chile-Garlic Noodles with Shrimp

Makes 6 servings This recipe makes more sauce than you need, but it will keep well, so you can use it again in a few weeks. These noodles are great with shrimp, but you can make it vegetarian with crispy tofu or sautéed mushrooms. Ingredients 1 large shallot, thinly sliced […]

Breakfast and Brunch

Chorizo and Poblano Quiche

Makes one 9-inch pie Ingredients All-Butter Pie Dough, unbaked, single crust 1 medium poblano chile 2 tablespoons canola oil 1/2 cup diced onion 4 oz chorizo, casings removed, crumbled 1/2 cup sour cream 1 1/4 cups heavy cream 3 large eggs 1 cup grated Monterey Jack Directions Preheat the oven […]

Free Recipes, Side Dishes

Cornbread Dressing with Sausage and Green Chiles

Cornbread dressing (or stuffing, if that’s your style!) is a southern specialty that we love beside a tangy cranberry sauce and turkey, whether it’s roasted, fried, or grilled. We put poblanos and jalapeños in ours, but other green chiles, like serranos or hatch, will work great, too! Check out this […]

Main Dishes

Crêpes with Spicy Mushrooms and Chile Cream Sauce

Makes 4 servings We like the tender texture of crêpes in this dish, but the dish would be equally delicious made with regular or whole wheat flour tortillas. Ingredients Spicy Mushroom Filling 2 tablespoons olive oil 1/2 cup minced onions 1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic 4 cups sliced button or […]

Pantry

Dry Berbere Spice Blend

Berbere is an Ethiopian spice blend made from chiles and other spices. Though you can find it online or at most grocery stores, there is nothing like homemade, and you’ll especially love it for grilling season. Makes about 3/4 cup

Allergen Friendly, Grilling, Main Dishes

Grilled Kielbasa with Corn-Cabbage Slaw

Makes 4 servings Kielbasa is the perfect last-minute or large-crowd grilling ingredient. It comes pre-cooked, so all you have to do is heat it through, it’s good alone or on a sandwich, and it’s a universal crowd-pleaser. Ingredients Kernels from 2 ears of corn 6 radishes, chopped 1 jalapeño, minced […]

Sauces, Dressings, and Condiments

Harissa

Makes about 1 1/2 cups Ingredients 1 1/4 lb fresh red chiles, preferably Fresnos 1 small red dried hot chile 1 oz sun-dried tomatoes (about 1/3 cup) 1 garlic clove, crushed to a paste with a pinch of salt 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander 1/4 teaspoon ground […]

Free Recipes, Salads

Heirloom Tomato Salad with Green Vinaigrette

Makes 4 to 6 servings The beauty of summer tomatoes is that they need virtually no accompaniment to be delicious. That’s why this salad, inspired by the menu at Savor, on our San Antonio campus, uses just a few of our favorite flavors to bring out the best in our […]

Side Dishes

Jalapeño Jack Polenta

Makes 8 servings Ingredients 4 cups water 3/4 cup yellow cornmeal 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated 1/2 pound pepper Jack cheese, grated Kosher salt, to taste 1/4 teaspoon ground white or black pepper Directions Heat the water to a simmer in a medium saucepan. Gradually pour the cornmeal into the […]

Main Dishes

Lamb Biryani

Makes 8 servings Biryani is a signature rice dish in Indian cuisine known especially for its scrumptious, colorful presentation. Made with basmati rice, it can be created with lamb, chicken, beef, or vegetables and features generous amounts of sweet spices, as well as nuts and raisins. In this recipe, it’s […]