Millies Fresh Green Chile Recipes

MILLIE SANTILLANES' CHILE CARIBE

Steps:

• 1. To make Chile Caribe (uncooked red chile purée): Red chiles are air-dried and should be dusted before using. A clean damp cloth does the job. Pull out and discard the woody stems of the chile pods and remove the seeds. If you wish, you may also remove the veins. However, the veins add authority [translation: flavor and heat] to your chile. It's a matter of preference. Soak the chiles in warm water for 1 hour. Put half of the chiles, two cloves of garlic and 1-1/2 cups of water in blender. Blend until it is a thick purée. Set aside and repeat process with the rest of the ingredients. Put purée through a fine strainer or food mill to remove any stray seeds and bits of skin. You may add dried oregano and/or finely chopped cilantro (fresh or dried) if you wish.
• 2. To make Salsa de Chile Colorado (cooked red chile sauce): In heavy saucepan or skillet, melt lard or heat oil. Add flour, stirring until smooth. With a whisk, add water until it reaches the consistency of a gravy. Add all of the Chile Caribe (uncooked red chile purée) you made in Step 1 and simmer gently for 10 minutes. If too thick, add additional water. This cooking process keeps the purée from separating. This sauce is used almost like a gravy to top many New Mexico dishes such as enchiladas and smothered burritos. When you order New Mexico food, you'll be asked red or green? This is red and green chile sauce is green. The third option, both sauces, is called Christmas.
• 3. To make an optional Salsa de Chile Colorado con Carne (red chile with meat sauce): Sauté meat until browned. Add Salsa de Colorado (red chile sauce) you made in Step 2 and simmer approximately 30 minutes until meat is tender. Season to taste.
• 4. My favorite option is Carne Adobada (marinated red chile meat): Marinate cubed pork overnight in prepared thick red chile sauce (that you made in Step 2 above). Simmer slowly in heavy skillet for at least 2 hours. Variation: Pork may be sliced instead of cubed (this is my preference). It may also be baked in a covered baking dish in a 325° oven for 1 to 1-1/2 hours until done.

GREEN CHILI ENCHILADA SAUCE, MILLIE'S

Steps:

• 1. First fire roast your chiles and peel and clean them (** https://www.justapinch.com/recipes/soup/chili/fire-roasted-chilis-peppers.html?p=64)
• 2. Peel the paper like husk from the tomatillo then wash them. Cut in half.
• 3. In large pot add halved tomatillos, chunked onion, oregano,chuncked jalapeno and serrano*peppers,minced garlic,ground cumin,salt,cayenne pepper,cilantro and 4 cups chicken stock. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to medium and cook 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
• 4. Place in 8 quart pot on stove (heat off). Using a food processor, puree green chiles, a little at a time using chicken stock to thin it with. You will have to do several small batches. Puree each batch at least 1 1/2 - 2 minutes. Dump into your pot on stove.
• 5. Now puree the tomatillos and onions and the juice. Using a strainer hooked over the pot of green chile mixture, strain tomatillo mixture. Use a rubber spatula to move it around. Tomatillos have a billion seeds ! This will take several batches also.
• 6. Add remaining chicken stock to pot. Turn heat on and bring to a boil, reduce heat and cook 30 minutes. You are now ready to can sauce or freeze in bags. I can mine in a pressure cooker , 15lbs. of pressure for 90 minutes . (pints) *** be sure to follow recommendations for your elevation***
• 7. *********** NOTE ********** You can use water instead of chicken broth and reduce canning time to 30 minutes.