jalapeño pepper

Jalapeño peppers, known for their moderate heat and bright, vegetal flavor, are widely used in Mexican cuisine and have become popular worldwide. They can be used fresh, pickled, smoked (when smoked, they're called chipotles), or dried, offering versatility in cooking. Here’s how jalapeño peppers are commonly used in cooking:

Salsas and Dips: Fresh or pickled jalapeños are chopped and added to salsas, guacamole, and dips to provide heat and flavor. They're a key ingredient in pico de gallo.

Stuffed Peppers: Jalapeños are often hollowed out and stuffed with cheese, meats, or a mixture of spices and then baked or grilled. A popular preparation is jalapeño poppers, where they are breaded and fried after being stuffed.

Pickling: Jalapeños are commonly pickled in a vinegar solution along with carrots, onions, and herbs. Pickled jalapeños are used as a condiment for sandwiches, tacos, and more.

In Soups and Stews: Diced or sliced jalapeños are added to soups, stews, and chili to infuse them with a spicy kick.

Marinades and Sauces: Jalapeños can be blended into marinades and sauces to add heat and flavor to meats and vegetables before cooking.

Cornbread and Baked Goods: Finely chopped jalapeños are added to cornbread, biscuits, and other baked goods for a spicy twist.

Tacos and Burritos: Fresh or pickled jalapeños are a common topping for tacos, burritos, and other Mexican and Tex-Mex dishes, adding spice and crunch.

Grilled or Roasted: Whole jalapeños can be grilled or roasted to soften their heat and bring out their sweetness, often used as a side dish or integrated into various recipes.

Jalapeño Jelly: Sweet and spicy jalapeño jelly is made by cooking the peppers with sugar and vinegar. It's used as a glaze for meats or served as a spread with crackers and cheese.

Infused Tequila or Spirits: Jalapeños can be infused into tequila or other spirits, creating a spicy base for cocktails.

When cooking with jalapeños, handling them with care is important, as their capsaicin (the compound that gives peppers their heat) can irritate the skin and eyes. Wearing gloves and not touching your face while working with them is recommended. The heat of a jalapeño is concentrated in its seeds and membranes, so removing these parts can reduce its spiciness if desired. Jalapeños offer a range of culinary uses, from adding a flavorful heat to dishes to being the star ingredient in spicy snacks and appetizers.