South Of The Border Essentials Chili Paste Recipes

SOUTH-OF-THE BORDER ESSENTIALS: CHILI PASTE

Steps:

• 1. PREP/PREPARE
• 2. You will need a saucepan, and blender to make this recipe. The blender can be a regular blender, stick blender, or a food processor fitted with an S-Blade. You could, of course, go "old school" and use a mortar and pestle, but that seems like a lot of work.
• 3. Storage of homemade condiments and spices Because homemade spices and condiments do not contain any preservatives, it is important to store them properly. Non-reactive (glass) containers with tight-fitting lids are a must. If I am making a dry spice, I love to use old spice bottles that I have run through the dishwasher. If I am doing homemade sauces, I love using Weck jars. They are all glass, come in all sizes and shapes, and have excellent leakproof lids. If you shop online, you can go to Amazon, and type in "Weck Jars" and you will find a ton of them. Dry spices should be kept in a cool space, away from sunlight (spice cabinet), and sauces, in most cases, should be stored in the fridge. If properly stored, this chili paste should last 4 - 6 weeks.
• 4. Baked Garlic I love what baking does to garlic... it mellows the flavor and creates an awesome ingredient that enhances so many diverse dishes. I use it so much in catering that I usually bake 15 or more heads of garlic at a time, and then save them for when needed. If you do not wish to use baked garlic, you can use regular minced cloves, but cut the amount in half. Here is the recipe that I use... it is easy/peasy: https://www.justapinch.com/recipes/sauce-spread/seasoning-mix/cooking-essentials-baked-garlic.html?r=4
• 5. Chili Peppers The peppers you choose will determine the overall heat and flavor of your chili paste. To help you out, I have compiled a list of chili peppers; along with their flavor and heat level, measured in Scoville units. Consider this list a work in progress. You will notice that Bell Peppers (the first on the list), have no heat at all, while the Scorpion Chilies are up to 800,000. I tried some Scorpions once in a chili paste and woke up at hospital two days later and could not remember my name :-) Keep in mind, when you get into chilies this hot, a very little goes a looooong way. You have been warned. This recipe calls for 2 ounces (50g) of chilies, and while that may not seem like a lot, remember we are using dried chilies, and they do not weigh very much. As a matter of fact, after processed you should have 7 - 8 ounces of chili paste. As for working with most peppers, gloves are recommended. Bell Peppers, earthy flavor 0 Aji Paprika, mild, earthy Up to 500 Pepperoncini 100-500 Aji Panca, mild and fruity, poblano-esque 500-1,500 Red Anaheim-sweet, fresh form of New Mexico Chilies 500-1,500 Poblano 500-2,500 Mulato, chocolate/licorice-like flavor 500-2,500 Organic New Mexico, dried red Anaheim peppers 500-2,500 New Mexico, dried red Anaheim peppers 750-1,250 Organic Aji Panca, mild and fruity, poblano-esque 1,000-1,500 Green Anaheim, immature fresh New Mexico Chilies 1,000-1,500 Ancho, dried poblanos 1,000-1,500 Pasilla Negro, good in moles 1,000-2,000 Guajillo, mild flavor, some heat 2,500-5,000 Jalapeño, some heat, grassy-earthy flavor 2,500-8,000 Red Fresno, good in sauces & soups 2,500-10,000 Puya, similar flavor to Guajillo, spicy 5,000-8,000 Organic Chipotle Morita, smoked, dried Jalapeño 5,000-10,000 Yellow Caribe, great baked or in soups 5,000-15,000 Aji Amarillo, essential in Peruvian food 5,000-25,000 (continued in next step)
• 6. Brown (Meco) Chipotle. smoky & spicy 7,000-18,000 Chipotle Morita, smoked, dried Jalapeño 7,000-25,000 Urfa Biber, sweet, citrusy & smoky 7,500 Cascabel-round, with seeds that rattle 8,000-12,000 (continued in next step) Smoked Serrano, savory, not fruity heat 8,000-22,000 De Arbol, similar to cayenne 15,000-30,000 Japones, medium-strength Asian chile 15,000-36,000 Organic Aji Amarillo, essential in Peruvian food 40,000-50,000 Pequinspicy, hint of citrus, sweetness 40,000-50,000 Aji Limo Rojo, organic, slightly sweet, crisp 50,000-60,000 Tepin, powerful but brief heat 50,000-70,000 Fresh Thai, available red or green ~50,000-100,000 Dried Thai, used in Thai, Chinese cooking 50,000-100,000 Aji Cereza, milder substitute for Habaneros 70,000-80,000 Habanero, very hot, fruity/floral flavor 100,000-200,000 Organic Habaner, overly hot, fruity/floral flavor 100,000-300,000 Scotch Bonnet Chilies, similar heat to Habanero 75,000-325,000 Ghost Chilies, very hot, slight smokiness 300,000-400,000 Scorpion Chilies, incredibly hot Up to 800,000
• 7. Where is the Heat? If you want less heat, a lot of chefs will instruct you to remove the seeds from the pepper(s). In saying that they are implying the seeds are the source of the fire. Understand that removing the seeds will help a bit; however, they are not where the "real" heat of a pepper resides. The truth is, a pepper's intensity originates from the pith (membrane) and the ribs, not the seeds. Capsaicin, which is the chemical compound that holds all that fiery heat, is concentrated in the inner membrane of white pith and the ribs. The reason removing the seeds lowers the heat a bit, is simply because the seeds are in contact with the membrane, and some of the capsaicin rubs off. But the seeds do not contain any capsaicin of their own; hence, no heat. So, if you really want to tame the beast, go ahead and remove the seeds, but do not forget to scrape out the membrane, and cut out the ribs. Note on dry peppers: You can remove the seeds and cut out the ribs (I use a pair of kitchen shears), but it is almost impossible to remove the membrane, simply because it has dried and attached itself to the wall of the pepper. Removing the membrane is more for working with fresh peppers.
• 8. Gather your ingredients (mise en place).
• 9. Cut off the top of the peppers and shake out the seeds. Removing the ribs is up to you. Cut or tear them up, place into a bowl
• 10. Pour boiling water over them until they are covered.
• 11. Let them steep for 15 - 20 minutes.
• 12. Drain them using a colander but save the water in a bowl and reserve.
• 13. Add them to your blender, then add all the other Chili Paste ingredients.
• 14. Give them a few 1-second bursts, then start adding the reserved chili water, about a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. I wound up adding about 4 tablespoons of water.
• 15. Some chefs like their chili paste thick, almost like a tomato paste; however, I like mine almost pourable. Up to you.
• 16. Add the olive oil to a saucepan over medium-low heat.
• 17. When the oil heats up, add the chili paste, and stir constantly for about 5 minutes.
• 18. Stir in the scant 1/2 teaspoon of balsamic, remove from heat, then allow to cool.
• 19. Store in a suitable container (see notes of proper storage above), and place in the fridge until needed.
• 20. These are the chilies I used for this batch of Mexican BBQ ribs (pictured at the top). They gave the brisket a mild heat with a hint of smoke.
• 21. PLATE/PRESENT
• 22. Use in all things South-of-the Border. Enjoy.
• 23. Keep the faith, and keep cooking.

SOUTH OF THE BORDER CHICKEN CHILI

Steps:

• Heat oil in large skillet on medium heat. Add chicken and bell pepper; cook and stir 5 minutes.
• Stir in Seasoning Mix, water, beans, tomatoes and corn. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 10 minutes or until chicken is cooked through, stirring occasionally. Serve with desired toppings.

SOUTH-OF-THE-BORDER ESSENTIALS: BEEF BARBACOA

Steps:

• 1. PREP/PREPARE
• 2. There are a lot of chili pastes at your grocer; however, the best variety is the one you make yourself. Try this out, when you get a chance, you will not be disappointed. https://www.justapinch.com/recipes/sauce-spread/other-sauce-spread/south-of-the-border-essentials-chili-paste.html
• 3. Where is the Beef? The traditional beef for this dish is beef brisket; however, I see no reason not to try something else, like a chuck roast, arm roast; even a good pork shoulder. If you choose something else, like a chuck roast your time will be much shorter, probably in half. So, use what you have, keep an eye on it... It is finished when the meat is fork tender.
• 4. Baked Garlic I love what baking does to garlic... it mellows the flavor and creates an awesome ingredient that enhances so many diverse dishes. I use it so much in catering that I usually bake 15 or more heads of garlic at a time, and then save them for when needed. If you do not wish to use baked garlic, you can use regular minced cloves, but cut the amount in half. Here is the recipe that I use... it is easy/peasy: https://www.justapinch.com/recipes/sauce-spread/seasoning-mix/cooking-essentials-baked-garlic.html?r=4
• 5. Gather your ingredients (mise en place).
• 6. If the brisket has a lot of fat, cut off all but about 1/2 inch (1.3cm)
• 7. Add all of the sauce ingredients to the bowl of your slow cooker and whisk to combine.
• 8. Add the brisket and toss with the sauce ingredients.
• 9. Set the cooker to low, and slow cook until the brisket is fork tender, about 12 or more hours.
• 10. I usually set the slow cooker up before I go to bed, and then just let it keep cooking away until tender.
• 11. You can speed the process up by cooking at high; however, I think that it is worth the wait, because of the way the flavors blend over the long cooking time.
• 12. Remove the brisket and shred.
• 13. Return to the slow cooker, blend with the sauce, and cook an additional 15 minutes, or until warmed through.
• 14. PLATE/PRESENT
• 15. Serve on tacos, over rice, on a loaded baked potato, whatever you so choose. Enjoy.
• 16. Keep the faith, and keep cooking.

SOUTH-OF-THE-BORDER ESSENTIAL: MEXICAN COTTAGE PIE

Steps:

• 1. PREP/PREPARE
• 2. I am topping this recipe with mash potatoes; however, it would be great served over a bed of homemade egg noodles, or even over rice. Here is the recipe I am using for the taters. https://www.justapinch.com/recipes/side/potatoes/holiday-essentials-slow-cooker-mash-taters.html?r=5 FYI: I added some sharp cheddar cheese to the taters... Because I can.
• 3. You will need a large skillet to cook the filling. In addition, you will need small dishes that are capable of holding the ingredients. I am using white ramekins that hold 8 ounces (225g) each. Based on the ingredients you should be able to make about five of these. Or you could put all the ingredients into a standard ovenproof deep pie dish.
• 4. If you make more of the filling than you need, understand that it freezes very well, and if frozen properly will last 4 - 6 months.
• 5. Gather your ingredients (mise en place).
• 6. Make some mashed taters and keep warm.
• 7. STAGE I
• 8. Add the butter and oil to a large skillet over medium heat.
• 9. When the butter melts, add the onions and carrots, then partially cook for about 2 - 3 minutes.
• 10. Add the garlic and stir for an additional 30 - 60 seconds.
• 11. STAGE II
• 12. Add the beef and chorizo.
• 13. Lower the heat a bit and cook until about 75% of the liquid has evaporated, about 10 - 12 minutes.
• 14. STAGE III
• 15. Add the dry spices.
• 16. Stir to combine, about 60 seconds.
• 17. STAGE IV
• 18. Add the remainder of the ingredients.
• 19. Stir and allow to simmer until the filling reduces and begins to thicken, about 10 - 15 minutes.
• 20. ASSEMBLY
• 21. Add the hot mixture to a small bowl (ramekin).
• 22. Lay a slice of provolone on top, if using.
• 23. Cover with the warm mash taters, and a pat of butter.
• 24. If you wish, you can pop them under a broiler until the taters begin to brown in spots, about 1 - 2 minutes.
• 25. PLATE/PRESENT
• 26. Serve with some dinner rolls or crusty bread, and maybe a small side salad. Enjoy.
• 27. Keep the faith, and keep cooking.