you know it's fall not because the nights are cold and the air crisp, or the aspens golden, but because you can smell green chiles roasting in great open-air cages that turn while the fire sears the green chiles black. Don't ask me, it's something to do with the flavor - flame roasted green chiles simply taste better.

A lot of Southwestern scholars are certain that the natives here ate chiles and gave that taste to the Spaniards, not vice-versa. So here's my favorite recipe for green chile sauce - wonderful over pork and spice tamales or an enchilada oozing two different kinds of cheese.

Chile Verde (Green Chile)
Modo de Rescoldar Chile Verde


Green chile should have the tough, transparent outer skin removed before it is used. The process is simple and may be done as follows:

Temperature: Broil Freezes Well

Fresh Green Chile

1. Rinse and dry chile. Prick chile with the tines of a fork to
allow for release of steam.
2. Place chile on a cookie sheet 4-6 inches below the broiling
element. Turn chile frequently until it is uniformly blistered.
3. Remove chile from the broiler and cover with a damp towel for 10
minutes.
4. Proceed with one of the steps below:
a. When cooled, package chiles in a freezer-weight container,
seal, and freeze for later use.
b. Remove the outer skin and freeze as in step A.
c. Remove outer skin, stem, and seeds. Chop and use in any
recipe.
d. Remove outer skin and leave chile whole for freezing, drying,
or use in a recipe.

Chile Verde (Green Chile Sauce)

Yield: Approximately 2 cups Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Temperature: Medium Freezes Well

1 tablespoon shortening 1 cup chicken broth**
1/2 cup chopped onion 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons flour 3/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped green chile*

1. Heat shortening in a medium-sized skillet on medium heat.
2. Sauté the chopped onion in shortening. Add flour and cook
for 1 minute.
3.Add all remaining ingredients and simmer for 20 minutes.

* Varied amounts may be used.
** Two cups tomatoes with liquid may be substituted.

From Cocinas: Green Chile