18 New Mexico Chile Caribe Recipe Cook Up Something Special!
Published on: Mar 25, 2024
The rich culture and history of New Mexico is deeply intertwined with its cuisine. Among the many delicious dishes that have become iconic to the state, chile caribe stands out as a spicy and flavorful staple. This traditional dish is made by slow-cooking pork in a spicy red chile sauce, resulting in tender and mouth-watering meat that can be enjoyed on its own or used as a filling for various dishes. Let's take a closer look at the history and ingredients of this beloved New Mexican dish.
Main Ingredients: Baking Powder, Salt, Lard, Milk, Vegetable Oil, All
Sopapillas are a traditional New Mexican pastry that is often enjoyed as a dessert or a breakfast treat. Made with a simple dough and fried until golden brown, these light and airy pastries are then covered in honey and cinnamon for a sweet and indulgent treat. Sopapillas are a staple in New Mexican cuisine and are often served alongside savory dishes, such as carne adovada or green chile stew. They are also commonly filled with savory ingredients, like beans and cheese, for a satisfying snack or meal.
Red chile is a staple ingredient in New Mexican cuisine and is used in a variety of dishes, from stews and soups to sauces and marinades. Made from dried red chile peppers, this versatile ingredient adds a rich and smoky flavor to any dish. It can be used to make a classic red chile sauce, which is often served over enchiladas, tamales, and other New Mexican dishes. Red chile can also be combined with other ingredients, like beef or pork, to create flavorful stews and chili. No New Mexican kitchen is complete without a jar of red chile on hand.
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New Mexico Carne Adovada
Main Ingredients: Pork Shoulder, Dried New Mexican Chiles, Chicken Stock
Carne adovada is a classic New Mexican dish that consists of pork marinated in red chile sauce and then slow-cooked until tender and flavorful. This dish is often served as a main course, accompanied by sopapillas and other traditional New Mexican sides. The red chile used in the marinade gives the pork a rich and spicy flavor that is characteristic of New Mexican cuisine. Carne adovada is a must-try for anyone looking to experience the delicious flavors of New Mexico.
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Caribe Hilton’s Coquito
Main Ingredients: Unsweetened Coconut Milk, Evaporated Milk, Coconut
Coquito is a traditional Puerto Rican holiday drink that is popular in New Mexico as well. This creamy and sweet rum-based drink is often served during Christmas and New Year's celebrations, but it can be enjoyed any time of year. The Caribe Hilton, a famous hotel in Puerto Rico, is known for its coquito recipe, which has become a beloved holiday tradition in New Mexico. Made with coconut milk, evaporated milk, and spices, this delicious drink is a must-try for anyone looking to experience the flavors of the Caribbean.
Biscochitos are another traditional New Mexican pastry that has become a beloved treat in the state. These anise-flavored cookies are often made with lard, giving them a rich and buttery texture. They are then coated in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar and often served alongside a cup of hot chocolate or coffee. Biscochitos are a perfect example of the fusion of Spanish and Native American flavors that is characteristic of New Mexican cuisine.
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El Caribe (Caribbean Martini)
Main Ingredients: Bacardi, Blue Curacao, Cointreau
Martinis are a popular cocktail all over the world, but in New Mexico, they have a unique twist. The Caribbean martini, also known as El Caribe, is a refreshing and fruity cocktail that is perfect for sipping on a warm summer day. Made with rum, pineapple juice, and lime juice, this cocktail is a delicious combination of Caribbean and New Mexican flavors. It's a must-try for anyone looking to experience the flavors of the Caribbean in New Mexico.
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Chili Caribe with Seitan
Main Ingredients: New Mexico Chili, Water, Olive Oil, Seitan, Smoked
Seitan, also known as wheat gluten, is a popular protein source in vegetarian and vegan diets. In New Mexican cuisine, it is often used in place of pork or beef in traditional dishes, such as chili caribe. This hearty and flavorful stew is made with seitan, red chile, and a variety of other ingredients, such as beans and vegetables. It's a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike.
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Mango Margaritas with Chili Lime Salt {Ensenada,...
Main Ingredients: Salt, Cubed Mango, White Tequila, Simple Syrup, Orange
Margaritas are a classic Mexican cocktail that has become a staple in New Mexican cuisine as well. This version, inspired by the flavors of Ensenada, Mexico, features mango and a unique chili lime salt on the rim of the glass. The sweetness of the mango is balanced out by the tangy and spicy chili lime salt, creating a refreshing and delicious cocktail that is perfect for any occasion.
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Caribe Hilton’s Original Piña Colada
Main Ingredients: Rum, Coconut Cream, Heavy Cream, Pineapple Juice
The Caribe Hilton in Puerto Rico is known for its piña colada, which was first created at the hotel's Beachcomber Bar in 1954. This delicious and tropical cocktail is made with rum, pineapple juice, and coconut cream, and is often served with a pineapple wedge and maraschino cherry for garnish. While there are many variations of the piña colada, the original recipe from the Caribe Hilton is a must-try for anyone looking to experience the flavors of the Caribbean.
Green chile stew is a classic New Mexican dish that is loved by locals and visitors alike. Made with pork, green chile, and a variety of other ingredients, such as potatoes and corn, this hearty and flavorful stew is a staple in New Mexican cuisine. It's often served with sopapillas or tortillas for dipping and is the perfect comfort food for a cold day.
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Mulaku Bhaji/ / Chili Bajji/Batter Fried Caribe Peppers
Main Ingredients: Peppers, Besan, Rice Flour, Salt, Chili Powder
Mulaku bhaji or chili bajji is a popular snack in many parts of India, but in New Mexico, it has a unique twist. Instead of traditional Indian peppers, this dish is made with caribe peppers, which are then coated in a spiced batter and fried until crispy and golden brown. The result is a delicious and spicy snack that is perfect for sharing with friends and family.
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Carne Adovada (New Mexico Red Chile Pork Stew)
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Pork Butt, Onions, Garlic, Fine Sea
Carne adovada, also known as red chile pork stew, is a classic New Mexican dish that is a must-try for anyone visiting the state. This hearty and flavorful stew is made with pork, red chile, and a variety of other ingredients, such as garlic and oregano. It's often served with rice or tortillas and is a perfect example of the fusion of Spanish and Native American flavors that is characteristic of New Mexican cuisine.
Beef chili is a classic comfort food that is beloved all over the world. In New Mexico, it has a unique twist, thanks to the addition of red chile. This spicy and flavorful chili is made with beef, red chile, and a variety of other ingredients, such as beans and tomatoes. It's the perfect dish for a chilly evening and is sure to warm you up from the inside out.
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Chile Nuevo Mexico
Main Ingredients: Red Chiles, Guajillo Chiles, Garlic Cloves, Onion
Chile Nuevo Mexico is a hybrid variety of green chile that is grown in New Mexico. It is a cross between a hatch and a big jim chile, resulting in a mild and flavorful pepper that is perfect for roasting, stuffing, or using in a variety of dishes. Chile Nuevo Mexico is a staple in New Mexican cuisine and is a must-try for anyone looking to experience the unique flavors of the state.
The Mexico mule is a delicious and refreshing twist on the classic Moscow mule. Made with tequila, lime juice, and ginger beer, this cocktail is perfect for sipping on a hot day. It's often served in a copper mug and is garnished with a lime wedge and mint sprig. The Mexico mule is a must-try for anyone looking to experience the flavors of Mexico in a classic cocktail.
Red chile sauce is a versatile and essential ingredient in New Mexican cuisine. It can be used in a variety of dishes, from enchiladas and tamales to stews and marinades. This sauce is made from dried red chile peppers that are rehydrated and blended with other ingredients, such as garlic and spices. The result is a rich and smoky sauce that adds a delicious depth of flavor to any dish.
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Epic Steak Tacos Caribe with Pineapple Salsa,...
Main Ingredients: Lemon Juice, Lime Juice, Orange Juice, Worcestershire
Steak tacos are a classic Mexican dish that has become a staple in New Mexican cuisine as well. This version, inspired by the flavors of the Caribbean, features steak marinated in a rum and pineapple juice mixture, and then grilled to perfection. The tacos are then topped with a refreshing and tangy pineapple salsa for a burst of flavor in every bite. These steak tacos are a perfect example of the fusion of Caribbean and New Mexican flavors.
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New Mexico Pork and Green Chile Posole
Main Ingredients: Pork Shoulder, Spice Blend, Olive Oil, Bacon Drippings
Posole, also known as hominy stew, is a traditional Mexican dish that is popular in New Mexico as well. This hearty and flavorful stew is made with pork, hominy, and green chile, resulting in a dish that is both comforting and satisfying. It's often served with tortillas or tortilla chips, and is the perfect meal for a cold day.
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Warm Mexico Salsa
Main Ingredients: Petite Diced Tomatoes, Large Garlic Cloves, White
Salsa is a staple in Mexican and New Mexican cuisine and is often served alongside a variety of dishes, from tacos and enchiladas to chips and dip. This version, inspired by the flavors of Mexico, features tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, and avocado, all warmed up in a skillet for a delicious and flavorful salsa that is perfect for dipping. It's a must-try for anyone looking to experience the flavors of Mexico in a simple and delicious way.
Chili is a classic comfort food that has become a staple in New Mexican cuisine. This version, made with red chile and pinto beans, is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a chilly day. It's often served with tortillas or tortilla chips and is a must-try for anyone looking to experience the unique flavors of New Mexico.
The History of Chile Caribe
The Origins of the Dish
Chile caribe, also known as carne adovada, has its origins in the indigenous and Spanish influence in New Mexico. The word "caribe" is derived from the Spanish word "carne" meaning meat, and "adovada" from the word "adobar" which means to marinate. This dish was originally made with wild game meat, such as deer or bison, and was cooked in a pot over an open fire. Over time, as pork became more readily available, it became the main protein used in chile caribe.
The Evolution of the Recipe
As the dish evolved, so did its preparation and ingredients. In the early days, chile caribe was made with whole dried chiles that were rehydrated and blended with spices to make the sauce. Today, most recipes call for using powdered chile, making it easier and more convenient to prepare. The addition of other ingredients such as cumin, oregano, and garlic also became popular over time, adding more depth and flavor to the dish.
The Ingredients of Chile Caribe
The Chile
The key ingredient in chile caribe is, of course, the chile. New Mexico is known for its abundance of chile peppers, and the most commonly used variety in this dish is the red chile. This chile is known for its spicy and slightly sweet flavor, making it the perfect base for the dish's sauce.
The Meat
Pork is the traditional meat used in chile caribe, but some recipes also call for using beef or chicken. The meat is usually cut into large chunks to allow for a longer cooking time and to absorb the flavors of the chile sauce.
The Spices
Aside from the chile, other spices such as cumin, oregano, and garlic are essential to give chile caribe its distinctive flavor. These spices are often toasted before being added to the dish, bringing out their aroma and enhancing their taste.
In Conclusion
Chile caribe is a beloved and iconic dish in New Mexico, with a rich history and deep cultural roots. Its simple yet flavorful ingredients make it a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own or used in a variety of recipes. So the next time you're craving a taste of New Mexico, try making your own chile caribe and experience the delicious flavors of this traditional dish.