Hatch chile season is here!  These green chiles were named after the Hatch Valley, in New Mexico, where they are exclusively grown.  The region, located along the Rio Grande River, provides the perfect growing conditions for cultivating these flavorful chiles: hot summer days and cool nights, ample water for irrigation, and mineral-rich soil. They are only harvested once a year, in late July to early August, and the season last for just six weeks.

I must confess that I had never heard of hatch chiles until last week, when Whole Foods started heavily promoting their availability. The long, curvy chile pods were showcased, going ’round and ’round, in a big barrel roaster in front of the store.  The wonderful smoky fragrance of the roasting chiles wafted through the parking lot, beckoning customers to come in.

To get the full hatch chile experience, I opted to buy them fresh so I could roast them myself and breathe in and enjoy the aroma that would fill my kitchen.  I started roasting them on a cast iron skillet, but that was taking too long, so I took them off the pan and put them directly over the flame of the gas burner.  I should have done that in the first place. Applying heat to the chiles not only enhances their flavor, but also makes it easier to peel the tough skin from the pod. Once they were charred and blackened all over, I put the hot chiles in a plastic bag, sealing them in to create steam, which helps to remove the skin. After about 10 minutes, the skins rubbed off easily, while keeping the chiles whole.

I enjoy discovering new ingredients and thinking about how to cook with them. It stretches my imagination and creativity. Most of the time I cook, I follow a basic recipe, either from a cookbook or from one of my fellow bloggers, but add my own twist.  However, these chiles were so inspiring that I didn’t need to find a recipe.  I knew exactly what I wanted to do with them.

This is a warm, comforting dish with layers of smoky flavors from the chiles, chorizo, paprika, and chipotle powder.  Though relatively mild as chiles go, the hatch chiles were at the top of my own range of heat tolerance.  The chorizo added richness and a little more heat.  This dish is perfect anytime of day.  Serve with your favorite green salsa, warm tortillas, and rice and beans for a hearty breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Hatch Chiles and Chorizo Bake
Yields 2 servings

Ingredients:
6 Hatch chiles, roasted, peeled, and seeded or any other green chiles you prefer (Click here for more information on how to roast and peel chiles)
1/2 tablespoon vegetable oil
3 stalks green onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small tomato, diced
6 ounces Mexican pork chorizo, casing removed, if necessary
2 eggs
1/2 cup milk
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon chipotle chile powder
1 cup shredded cheese, Monterey Jack, Cheddar, or combination ( I used the Mexican-Style Four Cheese Mix)

Method:
Heat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Heat a skillet on medium heat and add vegetable oil.  Sauté onion and garlic, until softened and fragrant. Add tomatoes and chorizo and cook thoroughly. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break up the sausage, if needed.  Chorizo will not necessarily brown when cooked.  Set aside.

In a bowl whisk the eggs and then add the milk, salt, pepper, paprika, and chipotle powder and set aside.