What is an Anaheim chile?

An Anaheim chile is a mild pepper that originated in the U.S. and is very popular in Southwestern and Mexican cooking. This chile is light green and is long and narrow. It is a very close relative to the New Mexico chile, except it is milder in spice. Hatch chiles are also closely related to these peppers.

What do Anaheim chiles taste like?

Anaheim chiles are slightly fruity and very mild. New Mexico chiles are much spicier and somewhat more flavorful. 

How can you eat Anaheim chiles?

Anaheim chiles can be consumed raw and cooked, however, eating them cooked is more common. You can roast these peppers and add them to salsas, soups, and stews, or use them in chile relleno, or stuffed chiles. Use Hatch chiles, in soups, sauces, salad dressings, and meat stews.

Where can you buy Anaheim chiles

Find Anaheim chiles at most supermarkets in the produce section near the other chiles. Roasted Hatch chiles are in the canned food aisle next to the beans. 

How do you store Anaheim chiles?

Store your Anaheim chiles fridge in a plastic bag for one to two weeks. Roasted Hatch chiles from a can will keep fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two months. 

Fun Fact about Anaheim chile:

Anaheim chiles got their name after a city in California, but are actually from New Mexico. A businessman named Emilio Ortega began growing the chiles in California in 1894. To this day, his chiles are still sold by the company that he founded, and are available at most grocery stores.

Did you know?

Many factors go into the spice of chili peppers. How much sunlight the plant receives, the acidity of the soil, and other factors contribute to its spiciness.

Recipes Using Anaheim Chiles:

Sweet Corn with Anaheim Chile

This side dish can make an excellent addition to any meal to add a southwestern twist. In a small saucepan, add butter, diced Anaheim chiles, and corn. Sauté until the corn is tender and the peppers have softened. Season the corn with salt, pepper, and cumin. Serve the corn as a side dish on its own or top with cotija cheese for a salty tang.

Crock Pot Pork Green Chili

Cooking the pork in this recipe ensures that its tender and is served with a sauce made with tomatillos and hatch chiles. Roast tomatillos, onions, and garlic in the oven until the skin begins to blister. Transfer the vegetables into a blender along with a few Anaheim chiles, cilantro, and salt, and puree until smooth. In a slow cooker, place 1-inch chunks of pork roast and add the sauce. Cook in the slow cooker on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours.

Chicken and Cheese Stuffed Anaheim Peppers

Use roasted Anaheim chiles for stuffing with your favorite fillings. In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken breast with cumin, oregano, garlic, onion, and feta cheese. Stuff the chicken mixture inside of the hollowed-out chiles and bake in the oven for 15 minutes. Top with cilantro and diced jalapeño for added spice and flavor.

Roasted Green Chile Sauce

In a food processor, add roasted chiles, garlic cloves, jalapeños, chicken stock, and lime juice. Blend until combined and serve on anything from burgers to nachos.

Green Chile Enchiladas

Take warmed tortillas and roll them with shredded Monterey jack cheese and a slice of roasted Anaheim chile. Place the enchiladas on a baking dish and top with the roasted tomatillo and Anaheim chile salsa. Bake in the oven until bubbly and serve with sour cream.