Seeds Matter

Having received the gift of Hatch green chili earlier this year, it was with great anticipation that I prepared green chili stew for our post-Christmas Sunday lunch.  In recent years I'm not particularly known for my culinary skills -- they've been rather dormant since I joined my parents in a multi-generational living arrangement.

I lived in New Mexico for several years and during that time actually did quite a bit of cooking -- often using green chili, which is its own food group in Southern New Mexico.  But, as we know, skills that aren't regularly used quickly begin to fade.

With the aid of my housemate (mother), the green chili was thawed at cooking time -- that's a win!  I honestly don't know that I would have thought of that step!  The cooking of meat and mincing of garlic came back to me like riding a bike; the savory scent quickly filled the house.  I then dumped the green chili into the pot only to discover it was the jealously sought after roasted whole chilies!  Excellent - but now what.  

I gingerly pulled them from the pot and began the process of undressing and chopping.  Putsing and detail are not my strong suit in life, let alone in the kitchen!  Thus I hastily made my way through the pile eager to move along the process because time was ticking!

The smell of green chili soon consumed the kitchen as the soup rumbled and rolled on the stove!  At last it was time to ladle and serve.  It felt good -- satisfying -- to be a contributing member of the kitchen community.  

And then came the first bite.  Of course it's hot, I thought -- it was just boiling.  And then the heat continued!  Oh my!  That's when the reality of the phrase "seeds matter" came to light -- it the most brightly lit way!  Our household is use to "heat" having enjoyed "heat" for generations, but this was a little much.  How to tame the beast?  

It was time to improvise!  Enter Green Chili Enchilada Bake Concoction!  The plan is the cheese and tortillas will aid in taming the "heat."   Only time will tell...once our taste buds have recovered.

Lessons Learned

• Seeds really do matter
• Perhaps fresh roasted green chili isn't for me -- the package stuff has its advantages
• Remember to Ooo & Ahhh more the next time I share a meal with a friend who has cooked with fresh roasted green chili
• Good cooking takes time