Quelites, also known as Mexican greens, are a staple in New Mexican cuisine. These flavorful and nutritious greens have been enjoyed by indigenous communities for centuries and are now gaining popularity in the modern culinary world. In this article, we will delve into the history of quelites, their nutritional benefits, and a traditional recipe that will transport you to the heart of New Mexico. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and learn about this delicious and versatile ingredient.
Main Ingredients: Baking Powder, Salt, Lard, Milk, Vegetable Oil, All
If you're looking for a delicious and unique twist on traditional chicken recipes, look no further than our top 20 beer can chicken recipes. And to start off our list, we have the mouthwatering New Mexico Sopapillas. These crispy fried pastries are a staple in New Mexican cuisine and make the perfect accompaniment to any chicken dish. The dough is made with flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon, giving it a slightly sweet and spicy flavor. Serve them alongside your beer can chicken for a truly unforgettable meal.
In New Mexico, red chile is more than just a condiment – it's a way of life. Made from dried red chile peppers, this sauce is the perfect marinade for your beer can chicken. It adds a depth of flavor and a touch of heat that will have your taste buds dancing. To make the sauce, simply rehydrate the peppers in hot water, blend them with garlic, cumin, oregano, and salt, and let your chicken soak up all that delicious flavor.
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New Mexico Carne Adovada
Main Ingredients: Pork Shoulder, Dried New Mexican Chiles, Chicken Stock
For a truly authentic New Mexican experience, try making Carne Adovada with your beer can chicken. This flavorful dish involves marinating chunks of pork in a red chile sauce overnight, then slow-cooking it until it's tender and falling apart. The result is a succulent and spicy meal that pairs perfectly with a cold beer and some warm tortillas. Don't be afraid to add some extra red chile powder for an extra kick of flavor.
Biscochitos are a traditional New Mexican cookie that is often served during the holiday season. These sweet and buttery cookies are made with flour, sugar, anise, and cinnamon, giving them a unique and delicious flavor. They are the perfect dessert to serve alongside your beer can chicken, as they provide a nice contrast to the savory flavors of the dish.
Green chile is just as important to New Mexican cuisine as red chile. This savory and hearty stew is a staple in many New Mexican homes and is the perfect meal to warm you up on a cold day. The stew is made with chunks of pork, potatoes, and green chile, and can easily be adapted to include your beer can chicken. Simply add the chicken to the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking and let it soak up all the delicious flavors.
Chili is a classic American dish, but in New Mexico, it's taken to a whole new level. This version of beef chili is made with chunks of tender beef, pinto beans, and of course, red chile. The result is a thick and hearty chili that pairs perfectly with a cold beer and some fresh cilantro. And for a unique twist, try adding some of your beer can chicken to the chili for an extra punch of flavor.
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Carne Adovada (New Mexico Red Chile Pork Stew)
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Pork Butt, Onions, Garlic, Fine Sea
Carne Adovada is a dish that is deeply rooted in New Mexican culture and is a must-try for any beer can chicken lover. The pork is marinated in a red chile sauce overnight, then slow-cooked until it's tender and falls apart. The result is a rich and flavorful stew that is perfect for a cozy night in. Serve it with some warm tortillas and a cold beer for the ultimate New Mexican meal.
This New Mexico-style chili is a simple yet delicious way to spice up your beer can chicken. The recipe calls for ground beef, kidney beans, and tomatoes, but the real star of the dish is the red chile powder. This gives the chili a rich and smoky flavor that will have you going back for seconds. And for an extra kick, try adding some diced jalapenos to the mix.
No New Mexican meal is complete without a delicious red chile sauce. This versatile sauce can be used as a marinade for your beer can chicken, as a dipping sauce, or as a topping for tacos and enchiladas. The key to this sauce is the red chile powder, which gives it a rich and spicy flavor. And don't forget to add some garlic and cumin for an extra kick of flavor.
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Traditional New Mexico Guacamole
Main Ingredients: Avocados, Garlic, Lemon Juiced, Tomato, Ground Cumin
No beer can chicken meal is complete without some fresh guacamole. And in New Mexico, they take their guacamole seriously. This traditional recipe calls for avocados, tomatoes, onions, lime, and of course, green chile. The result is a creamy and flavorful dip that pairs perfectly with your chicken. And for an extra pop of flavor, try topping your guacamole with some cotija cheese.
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Chile New Mexico Chicken
Main Ingredients: Boneless Chicken Breast, Dried Chile, Garlic, Lime
If you're looking for a simple yet delicious way to spice up your beer can chicken, look no further than this Chile New Mexico Chicken recipe. The chicken is marinated in a blend of lime juice, garlic, and red chile powder, giving it a tangy and spicy flavor. Serve it with some warm tortillas and a side of black beans for a truly authentic New Mexican meal.
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New Mexico Pork and Green Chile Posole
Main Ingredients: Pork Shoulder, Spice Blend, Olive Oil, Bacon Drippings
Posole is a traditional Mexican soup that has become a staple in New Mexican cuisine. This version is made with chunks of tender pork, hominy, and of course, green chile. The result is a hearty and flavorful soup that is perfect for a cold day. Serve it with some warm tortillas and a side of pico de gallo for a truly comforting meal.
If you prefer a spicier version of posole, try making it with red chile instead. This recipe calls for a blend of pork shoulder, hominy, and red chile powder for a rich and flavorful soup. And for an extra burst of flavor, try topping it with some diced avocado and a squeeze of lime.
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New Mexico Red Chile Enchilada Casserole
Main Ingredients: Corn Tortillas, Cooking Oil, Finely Chopped Onions
Enchiladas are a classic Mexican dish, but in New Mexico, they take it to a whole new level. This enchilada casserole is made with layers of corn tortillas, shredded chicken, and a red chile sauce. It's topped with cheese and baked until bubbly and delicious. Serve it with some sour cream and guacamole for a truly indulgent meal.
This hearty and flavorful stew is a staple in New Mexican homes. It's made with chunks of tender pork, potatoes, and of course, green chile. The key to this dish is to let the flavors simmer together, allowing the green chile to infuse the stew with its unique and delicious flavor. Serve it with some warm tortillas and a side of refried beans for a truly authentic meal.
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New Mexico Style Calabacitas (Sauteed Zucchini)
Main Ingredients: Zucchini, Squash, Sweet Corn, Salt, Black Pepper, Green
Calabacitas are a simple yet delicious side dish that is commonly served in New Mexican cuisine. This version is made with zucchini, corn, green chile, and cheese, giving it a burst of flavor and a touch of heat. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
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Anthony Bourdain's New Mexico Beef Chili
Main Ingredients: Poblano Peppers, Hatch Chili Peppers, All Purpose
This recipe comes straight from the late, great Anthony Bourdain and is a must-try for any beer can chicken lover. The beef chili is made with chunks of tender beef, red chile, and beans, and is topped with a sprinkle of cheese and a dollop of sour cream. It's a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cold night in.
Huevos Rancheros is a classic breakfast dish that is popular in New Mexico. This version is made with corn tortillas, eggs, beans, and of course, green chile. It's a hearty and satisfying meal that will give you the energy you need to start your day. And for an extra burst of flavor, top it with some salsa and a sprinkle of cilantro.
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Chocolate Pudding – New Mexico Style
Main Ingredients: Cornstarch, Salt, Ginger, Canela, Red Chile Powder
No meal is complete without a delicious dessert, and this New Mexico-style chocolate pudding is the perfect way to end your beer can chicken feast. Made with cocoa powder, honey, and cinnamon, this pudding is rich and decadent, with a hint of spice. Serve it with some fresh whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa nibs for an extra touch of indulgence.
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New Mexico Red Chile Mole’
Main Ingredients: Red Chiles, Ancho, Chipotle Chile, Pecans, Pistachios
Last but certainly not least, we have the iconic New Mexico Red Chile Mole'. This thick and flavorful sauce is made with red chile, chocolate, almonds, and a variety of spices. It's perfect for dressing up your beer can chicken and will add a depth of flavor that will have your taste buds singing. Serve it with some warm tortillas and a side of rice for a truly satisfying meal.
The Origins of Quelites
Quelites, which translates to "wild greens" in Spanish, refer to a variety of edible leafy plants that are native to Mexico. These greens have been a part of the Mexican diet since ancient times and were an important source of nutrition for indigenous communities. Quelites were traditionally foraged from the wild and were used in a variety of dishes, including stews, soups, and tamales.
Nutritional Benefits
Quelites are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. They are a great source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals such as iron, calcium, and magnesium. These greens are also high in fiber and antioxidants, making them a healthy addition to any meal. Quelites are also low in calories, making them a perfect option for those watching their weight.
A Traditional Quelites Recipe
One of the most popular ways to enjoy quelites is by sautéing them with garlic and onions. This simple yet flavorful dish is a staple in New Mexican cuisine and is often served as a side dish or used as a filling in tacos or enchiladas. To make this dish, start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté a diced onion and two cloves of minced garlic until they are softened. Next, add in a pound of washed and chopped quelites and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for about 10 minutes until the greens are wilted and tender. Serve hot and enjoy the taste of New Mexico in every bite.
Bringing Quelites into the Modern World
While quelites have been a staple in Mexican cuisine for centuries, they are now gaining popularity in the modern culinary world. Chefs and home cooks alike are finding new and creative ways to incorporate these flavorful greens into their dishes. From using them in salads to adding them to smoothies, the possibilities are endless. So why not give quelites a try and add a touch of Mexican flavor to your meals?
In Conclusion
Quelites are a delicious and nutritious ingredient that has been enjoyed by indigenous communities in Mexico for centuries. With their unique flavor and health benefits, it's no wonder that they are gaining popularity in the modern culinary world. So next time you're looking to add some Mexican flair to your dishes, don't forget to reach for some quelites.
