Varieties of chili peppers range from mild and sweet — such as banana peppers — to hot and spicy — such as habanero.
Among local favorites is the sweet green chili pepper, sometimes called adobong sili, popular in Filipino dishes and available at farmers markets, some Asian groceries and in Chinatown. They are for the most part sweet and mild, used in many dishes in large quantities because of their expected low heat.
But take note: There may the occasional fiery pepper in the bunch, so be prepared. This week, try some of these mild green peppers in your dishes.
Chili peppers are a good source of folic acid which helps the body to produce healthy red blood cells and prevents anemia. They are also very high in antioxidant carotenoids which have many health benefits, such as helping to fight inflammation, being a natural pain relief, and reducing cholesterol.
CHILI RELLENO SPRING ROLLS
By Hawaiian Electric Co.
- 2 (16-ounce) packages egg-roll wrappers
- Vegetable oil, for deep-frying
- Hoisin (Chinese soybean sauce), for serving
>> Filling:
- 2 pounds lean ground beef, poultry or pork
- 2 Maui onions, chopped
- 1 bunch green onions, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 pounds fresh sweet green chili peppers, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh oregano leaves, chopped
- 2 large potatoes, cubed
- 4 cups cheddar or jack cheese, shredded
To make filling: In a large skillet, brown meat on medium-high heat; drain excess oil.
Add onions, garlic, cumin, salt and pepper; cook, stirring frequently, until onions are golden brown.
Add chilies; cook 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Add oregano and potatoes; cook until potatoes are tender.
Remove from heat and add cheese. Stir until cheese melts. Let cool to room temperature.
To make rolls, place 2 tablespoons filling in center of a wrapper. Fold lower corner of wrapper over mixture, tucking point under filling.
Fold left and right corners toward center and roll, sealing edges with water. Continue until all wrappers are used.
Heat oil to 325 degrees. Fry spring rolls until golden; drain. Serve with hoisin sauce. Serves 12.
Approximate nutritional information, per serving (not including salt to taste or hoisin): 400 calories, 20 g total fat, 6 g saturated fat, 55 mg cholesterol, 450 mg sodium, 35 g carbohydrate, 2 g fiber, 3 g sugar, 20 g protein.
GREEN CHILI STEW
By Hawaiian Electric Co.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 cup diced Maui onion
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 pound lean pork, cubed
- 2 (14-1/2-ounce) cans fat-free chicken broth
- 1 pound fresh sweet green chili peppers
- 1/2 (1.73-ounce) package chili seasoning mix
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce) can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce) can stewed tomatoes, including liquid
- 2 large carrots, diced
- 2 large potatoes, diced
- 2 small tomatoes, diced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
In a large pot, heat oil. Saute onion and garlic. Add pork and brown. Add chicken broth, chilies and seasoning mix. Cover and bring to a boil.
Add remaining ingredients; lower heat and simmer 45 minutes.
Serve over rice. Serves 8.
Approximate nutritional information, per serving (not including salt to taste or rice): 230 calories, 7 g total fat, 1.5 g saturated fat, 35 mg cholesterol, 750 mg sodium, 48 g carbohydrate, 10 g fiber, 10 g sugar, 20 g protein.
HAWAIIAN-STYLE SALSA
By Hawaiian Electric Co.
- 1 cup chopped fresh sweet green chili peppers
- 1 Maui onion, chopped
- 1 (16-ounce) can stewed tomatoes, including liquid, or 1 pound fresh tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- 3 tablespoons chopped green onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon hot chili powder
- 2 teaspoons dried chili peppers, crushed
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
In a bowl, combine all ingredients. Let stand 1 hour to blend flavors. Chill.
Serve with cooked eggs, baked fish, tortilla chips or tacos. Makes about 4 cups.
Approximate nutritional information, per 2-tablespoon serving (not including salt to taste): 10 calories, no fat or cholesterol, 50 mg sodium, 2 g carbohydrate, no fiber, 1 g sugar, no protein.
More Hawaiian Electric Co. recipes are available at hawaiianelectric.com.