Main Dishes

Chayote and Pineapple Chimichangas

Makes 8 servings A chimichanga is essentially a fried burrito, so this recipe starts with a homemade tortilla dough. Don’t be intimidated (also don’t be afraid to substitute prepared burrito-sized tortillas)! The dough comes together easily for a tender, crisp exterior. The filling is made up of chayote, a tender […]

Chef's Notes Plus

Chiles of Mexican Cuisine

Use this glossary to help identify chiles in recipes or to pick out what to try next! FRESH CHILES Anaheim (C. annuum) These light-green, rather flat-looking chiles will measure about 6 inches long and 2 inches wide, gradually tapering to a blunt end; they may have squared-off or sloping shoulders, […]

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 […]

Appetizers, Hors D’oeuvre, and Snacks, Side Dishes

Eggplant Caponata

Ingredients 1 eggplant (about 1 lb), peeled and cut into small dice 2 tablespoons kosher salt 1 red bell pepper, seeded and cut into small dice 3/4 cup minced onion 1 teaspoon minced garlic 1/4 cup olive oil 2 cups canned diced tomatoes 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 tablespoons basil […]

Salads, Side Dishes

Insalata di Riso (Rice Salad)

Serves 8 to 10 Make this with whole grains such as brown rice, spelt, or barley if you prefer. Increase the cooking time for these grains and cook them long enough to be tender to the bite. Ingredients Kosher salt, as needed 1 lb (2 2/3 cups) Carnaroli or Arborio […]

Main Dishes

Picadillo Cubano

If you have leftovers, whip up a batch of empanada dough for picadillo empanadas. Ingredients 1 quart beef stock 1/4 cup vegetable oil, plus more as needed 10 oz Russet potato, peeled, small dice 1 lb ground beef 6 oz ham, small dice 10 oz yellow onions, small dice 8 […]

Main Dishes

Risotto with Sweet Peppers and Scallops

Serves 6 If you can find bay scallops, they are perfect for this dish. If not, sea scallops are still good. If your sea scallops are extremely large, you can cut them in half. Ingredients 1 1/2 lb red and/or yellow peppers (about 4 medium) 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil […]

One-Dish Meals

Sausage with Sweet and Sour Peppers

Makes 4 to 6 servings Agrodolce is the Italian term for a sweet and sour sauce. Usually a reduction of vinegar and sugar, it is used to top meats, vegetables, sandwiches—anything, really! This recipe creates a quick and easy agrodolce right in the pan, which helps to soften the peppers […]

Chef's Notes Plus

Stuffed Peppers Without a Recipe

There are tons of stuffed pepper recipes in the world, but you don’t need a recipe to make a hearty make-ahead dinner with all the ingredients your family likes best. There are four primary components of a basic stuffed pepper: the pepper, the substance, the flavor, and the sauce. The […]

Salads

Taco Salad with Tempeh

Makes 4 to 6 servings Tempeh is made from fermented soy beans, and is a crumbly, neutral-flavored substitute for ground meat. Look for it in the refrigerated section near the tofu and vegan cheeses. Ingredients Three 6-inch diameter corn tortillas, cut into 1/8-inch strips 1 lime, cut in half 1 […]