New Mexico: Red or Green?

Red or Green? Here in New Mexico, we’re famous for putting chile on everything. Most restaurants stock “red or green” even for non-traditional New Mexican dishes; burgers, eggs, hot dogs, you name it, we put chile on it. And if you want both, the more the merrier. You can order “Christmas” style at any given restaurant without a second look. To embrace our New Mexico traditions at a time when the smell of roasting green chile fills the air, we thought we would share our favorite foods and recipes from our Relios family to yours, just in time for the holidays.

Carolyn’s Green Chile Stew – From Carolyn Pollack

2 tbsp olive oil1 pound top sirloin steak or pork, cut into ½ cubes2 yellow onions, diced1 cup red wine8 cups water2 carrots, diced2 russet potatoes, diced into ½ “cubes½ cup roasted green chile, peeled, seeded and diced1 cup beef stock1 ½ tsp ground cumin1 ½ tsp ground coriander2 cups chunky style salsasalt to tastepepper to taste36 large garlic croutons3 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated3 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, gratedSour creamRed chile powderIn a large heavy saucepan pour the oil and heat it on medium until it is hot. Add the steak and onions, and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes. Add the wine and water. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15 minutes. Add the carrots and potatoes. Bring the stew to a boil, then lower heat to a simmer. Add the green chile, beef stock, cumin, coriander, and salsa. Simmer the stew for one hour. Season with salt and pepper. Place the stew in individual serving bowls. Top with 6 large garlic croutons. Sprinkle on the 2 cheeses, and broil in the oven until the cheese melts. Top with a dollop of sour cream, and sprinkle on some red chile powder. Serves 6.

Bill’s Amazing Chile Rellenos – From Bill Pollack

½ lb. longhorn style mild cheese cut into chile size bars*6 large New Mexico green chiles roasted, peeled and seeded, stems on3 eggs2 tbsp. flour1 tbsp. olive oil3 tbsp. pressed garlic14 oz. can petite chopped tomatoes undrained1 cup chicken broth1 tbsp. black pepper1 tbsp. marjoramSaute onion and garlic in olive oil until onion is soft. Add tomatoes, salt, pepper and marjoram. Reduce to simmer. Stuff green chiles with cheese. Separate eggs. Combine flour and egg yolks. Beat egg whites until peaked. Fold in yolk/flour mixture. Heat greased griddle or pan until hot. Check by dropping egg batter. Coat stuffed chiles in egg batter. Fry until golden, don’t flip too early! Serve with sour cream, black beans, calabacitas and Spanish rice.*cut cheese into the same length of chiles to stuff

Roasted Green Chile  – From Alex Montoya, Brand Ambassador

There are few days throughout the year when green chile isn’t part of my diet. Great source of vitamin C and gastronomic delight! Nearly 7 years with Relios and I’ve never called in sick. Hmmmm…coincidence? I think not! Good genes and green chile are my allies. At home we chop it up, add a bit of garlic salt and always have it at the ready. Our 40 lbs of home-roasted, peeled and frozen chile will mostly be used as a topping but we also do the traditional stews, enchiladas etc. This morning’s pigs-in-a-blanket got a kick with green chile and cheese inside and out.

Rolled Chile Enchiladas – From Jayme Bennett, Ecommerce Manager

12 corn tortillas Olive oil  (to fry tortillas) 1/2 onion, chopped 1 tsp. minced garlic 3/4 cup chopped, cooked green chiles AND/OR red chile sauce 4 cups jack cheese, mild cheddar, or a mix, grated Optional: shredded chicken, sour cream Lightly fry the corn tortillas for flavor. Add a handful of cheese (and chicken if desired), chopped onion, and garlic to each tortilla and roll. Place in long baking dish stacked side by side. Top with red and/or green chile. Cover chile with shredded cheese. Bake for 15 minutes at 350 degrees. Top with sour cream and serve.

Avocado Salsa – From Louisa Escovedo, Merchandising Manager

1 medium can diced tomatoes (drained)3 medium jalapenos, seeded and chopped (leave seeds if you like it hot!) 1 cup chopped yellow onion 3 medium avocados, semi firm but ripe, peeled, cored and diced 2 tbsp fresh lime juice1 clove garlic, finely minced ½ tsp salt (more or less to desired taste) ¼ tsp pepper Drain can of diced tomatoes and blend. Add to mixing bowl with chopped jalapenos and onions, mix well. Add seasonings (salt & pepper), minced garlic and lime juice, mix well. Add diced avocado and mix. Serve with tortilla chips.

Pork in Red Chile – From Zisumy Bencomo, Merchandising Sales Planner

1 lb solid pork, with a little fat, 1/2 in cubes1 tsp salt1-1/2 cup of water1 garlic clove1 pinch of oregano6 chiles Vegetable oil (Optional)1 tsp flour Cook meat with salt and water & be sure to put the lid on your pan! Simmer until fully cooked. Boil chiles 10 minutes or until soft. Mix cooked chiles in blender with garlic, oregano, and water. Once this is blended you can add to the meat and let it boil for 15 minutes. Serve with flour tortillas.

Guacamole – From Doug Small, SEO/PPC Analyst

2 avocados, chopped 1 small onion, minced 1 clove of garlic, minced Fresh cilantro to taste Mix together and serve with corn chips.