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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

  1. Rich in Vitamin C – Habaneros pack more vitamin C per gram than oranges, supporting your immune system through the changing seasons.
  2. Metabolism Boost – Capsaicin, the compound that gives them heat, may help increase metabolism.
  3. Natural Pain Relief – That same capsaicin is used in topical creams for joint and muscle pain.
  4. Heart Health – Capsaicin has anti-inflammatory properties that can support healthy blood vessels.
  5. 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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

  1. Grind allspice berries. (Or use pre-ground for convenience.)
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Prepare grill: bring chicken to room temperature, preheat grill to medium-high, and clean grates.
  5. 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

  1. Cook beets: Preheat oven to 400°F, oil and wrap beets in foil, roast 25–30 minutes until tender. Cool, peel, and chop.
  2. Cook chili: In a pan, heat oil, add onion, cumin seeds, garlic, and habanero. Sauté briefly.
  3. Add beets and cherry tomatoes. Cook 15 minutes until slightly crispy.
  4. Stir in spices, tomato sauce, and beans. Add water, cover, and simmer 25 minutes.
  5. 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

  1. Blend sauce ingredients until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
  2. Heat oil in a pan, sauté garlic, then add sweet potatoes. Cook until softened.
  3. Pour in sauce, season with salt and sugar. Simmer gently until just bubbling.
  4. Serve immediately with steamed rice.

*Available in this week’s bundle or the BBB Farm Store.

Want to add more heat to your dishes—or try making your own flavored honey? Visit our Instagram for this week’s 2-ingredient recipe!

Friendly Reminder: Looking for more inspiration? All recipes from the past four years are available on the blog.


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