This Week’s Vegetable Recipe Blog Feature: Habanero Heat!
As September settles in, your bundle is heating up—in the best way possible. This week, we’re shining the spotlight on a fiery local gem that’s ready to shake up your meals: the habanero pepper. These small but mighty peppers often get tossed into salsa and forgotten, but I’m here to show you how versatile (and beneficial!) they really are.
5 Surprising Benefits of Habanero Peppers
- Rich in Vitamin C – Habaneros pack more vitamin C per gram than oranges, supporting your immune system through the changing seasons.
- Metabolism Boost – Capsaicin, the compound that gives them heat, may help increase metabolism.
- Natural Pain Relief – That same capsaicin is used in topical creams for joint and muscle pain.
- Heart Health – Capsaicin has anti-inflammatory properties that can support healthy blood vessels.
- Antioxidant Power – Loaded with carotenoids and flavonoids, habaneros help combat oxidative stress and support overall wellness.
How to Cut Habaneros Safely: A Quick 3-Step Guide
- Glove Up (or Oil Up): The oils in habaneros can irritate skin and eyes. Use gloves—or coat your hands lightly in cooking oil to create a barrier.
- Remove Seeds & Ribs (Optional): For less heat, slice the pepper in half lengthwise and remove the white ribs and seeds with a spoon or paring knife.
- Slice or Mince: Depending on your recipe, finely chop or thinly slice the flesh. Use a sharp knife and wash everything (including your hands) thoroughly afterward.
It’s time—let’s get spicy and cooking!
Recipes
Jerk Chicken
Created by: Jessica Randhawa
This fragrant, flavorful grilled chicken recipe is representative of the Caribbean islands. Full of spice and easy to prepare!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ tbsp allspice berries, coarsely ground
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 5 scallions, chopped
- 3 habanero peppers, chopped*
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped*
- 1 tbsp Chinese five-spice powder
- 1 tbsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 4 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1 ½ tbsp soy sauce
- 2 (4 lb) chickens, quartered
- Fresh lime juice, for serving
Instructions
- Grind allspice berries. (Or use pre-ground for convenience.)
- Prepare marinade: combine onion, scallions, habaneros, garlic, spices, salt, and sugar in a food processor. Pulse until coarsely chopped. Add 2 tbsp olive oil and soy sauce while processing.
- Marinate chicken: place in a tray or bag, drizzle with remaining oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and coat with marinade. Refrigerate 4 hours to overnight.
- Prepare grill: bring chicken to room temperature, preheat grill to medium-high, and clean grates.
- Grill chicken: cook skin-side down 5–7 minutes, flip, and cook 5 minutes more. Reduce heat, cover, and cook until internal temperature reaches 160°F. Rest 3–5 minutes under foil. Serve with rice and lime.
Notes
- Use any chicken cuts you prefer; adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Always confirm doneness with a meat thermometer (160–165°F).
Vegetarian Beet Chili with a Kick
Created by: Rini
A hearty chili made with roasted beets, beans, and a punch of heat. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 2 beets, washed*
- 1 can red kidney beans, drained
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 can pinto beans, drained
- 5 cherry tomatoes
- ½ can tomato sauce
- ½ red onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped*
- 1 habanero pepper, chopped*
- 2 tsp sunflower oil
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp cayenne (optional)
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp sugar (optional)
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 2 tsp Romano cheese (omit for vegan)
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Cook beets: Preheat oven to 400°F, oil and wrap beets in foil, roast 25–30 minutes until tender. Cool, peel, and chop.
- Cook chili: In a pan, heat oil, add onion, cumin seeds, garlic, and habanero. Sauté briefly.
- Add beets and cherry tomatoes. Cook 15 minutes until slightly crispy.
- Stir in spices, tomato sauce, and beans. Add water, cover, and simmer 25 minutes.
- Add lemon juice, simmer 5 minutes more. Adjust seasoning. Serve topped with cheese if desired.
Sweet Potatoes in Creamy Habanero Sauce
Created by: Gunjan Dudani
Roasted sweet potatoes in a creamy cashew-habanero sauce. Comforting, quick, and delicious—ready in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
- Sauce:
- 2 habaneros, de-seeded*
- ¼ cup cashews
- Pinch dried garlic
- ½ cup chopped carrots*
- 1 ½ cups dairy-free or cow’s milk*
- Other:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp minced garlic*
- 2 cups sweet potatoes, chopped*
- ¾ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp brown sugar
Instructions
- Blend sauce ingredients until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- Heat oil in a pan, sauté garlic, then add sweet potatoes. Cook until softened.
- Pour in sauce, season with salt and sugar. Simmer gently until just bubbling.
- Serve immediately with steamed rice.