Chiles In Brine Recipes

CHILES IN BRINE

Steps:

• Flame, peel and seed chiles. Place in a glass bowl or crock.
• Bring brine ingredients to a simmer and immediately pour over the chiles.
• Soak for a week before serving.
• These chiles can be stored in a jar in the refrigerator for several months.
• Cut chiles in strips and use with cheese as an appetizer or serve in tostados, burritos and salsas.

MEXICAN CHILE PORK CHOPS

Steps:

• In a large saucepan set over high heat, add 1 cup water, the agave, 2 tablespoons salt, the cumin, cracked black pepper, garlic, oregano, 2 of the anchos, 1 of the chipotles, 2 of the guajillos, the beer and limes. Cook, stirring, until the salt dissolves. Remove from the heat, add the ice, and stir until cool. Pour the brine into a large, resealable plastic bag and add the pork chops. Seal the bag and refrigerate for up to 1 hour.
• Preheat the grill to high heat and wipe the grates down carefully with some oiled paper towels to clean and create a nonstick surface.
• In a dry skillet set over medium-high heat add the remaining 1 ancho, 2 chipotles and 1 guajillo chile. Cook the chiles until fragrant and lightly charred, 1 to 2 minutes. Place the chiles in a spice grinder and grind to a fine powder. In a small bowl, add the chile powder, cumin, granulated garlic, sugar, paprika, the remaining 1/2 tablespoon salt, the mustard and ground black pepper. Mix to combine, and set aside.
• Remove the pork chops from the brine, then pat dry and brush with the canola oil. Coat evenly all over with the spice rub. Grill the pork chops for 2 1/2 minutes. Rotate the chops 90 degrees and cook another 2 1/2 minutes to create crosshatch sear marks. Flip the chops over and repeat the same process on the second side. Move the chops to an area of the grill with medium heat and continue cooking until cooked through and an internal thermometer inserted in the chops reads 145 degrees F for medium doneness, 7 to 8 minutes. Rest the chops for 5 to 7 minutes for the juices to redistribute.
• Serve the pork chops with the Grilled Green Chile Sauce spooned over the top and garnish with Pico De Gallo.
• In a large bowl, add the hatch chiles, Anaheim chiles, jalapenos, poblanos, onions and scallions. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil and 1 teaspoon of the salt, and mix to coat. Grill the chiles, onions and scallions until charred, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Set the scallions and onions aside; place the chiles in a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and steam for 6 to 8 minutes. Once the chiles cool, carefully scrape away and discard the charred skin, then remove the stems and seeds, and roughly chop. In the bowl of a food processor, add the chiles, onions, scallions, the remaining 1 tablespoon oil, the remaining 1 teaspoon salt, the vinegar, garlic, lime juice, zest and cilantro. Process until smooth and bright green, 1 to 2 minutes. Pour in a bowl, then cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
• In a small bowl add the tomatoes, lemon juice, jalapenos, celery juice, cilantro, oil, salt, garlic and onions. Mix to combine, then cover and refrigerate for 15 to 20 minutes. Drain the excess liquid before serving.

CHILE APPLE BRINED FRIED CHICKEN

Steps:

• Place the cut-up chicken in the Chile Apple Brine and refrigerate overnight.
• To make the chicken fry mix, add the cornmeal, flour and Rib Rub to a large bowl.
• Drain the brined chicken well and add to the bowl with the chicken fry mix. Mix the chicken well with the breading to get a good coat. Let set in the mix for 20 minutes.
• In a large heavy pot, add the canola oil and heat over medium heat to 275 degrees F.
• Give the chicken a final mix and, using tongs, carefully place each piece of chicken into the hot oil. Fry until cooked through, about 14 minutes. Remove to a platter lined with paper towel and let drain before serving.
• Soak the chiles in hot water until softened. Transfer them to a food processor and process to a paste. Strain the paste, then transfer to a large container with a lid.
• Put the apples in a food processor, skin and core included, and pulse to chop. Transfer to the container with the chile paste and add the apple cider, molasses, salt, sugar, garlic and 8 cups (1/2 gallon water).
• Combine the salt, sugar, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, anise seed and mustard in a bowl.

FENNEL, CHILE, AND MAPLE DRY BRINE

Steps:

• Toast star anise and fennel seeds in a small skillet over medium heat, stirring often, until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a food processor; add salt, maple sugar, thyme, and red pepper flakes and pulse to blend, about 30 seconds.
• DO AHEAD: Dry brine can be made 3 days ahead. Cover and chill.