Hatch chile is a popular chili in Mexico. It has a sweet, smoky flavor and a distinctive aroma that is reminiscent of a freshly picked jalapeno. It is not as hot as jalapeno and is similar in size and flavor. In addition to that, it is mildly spicy.
Hatch chiles can be very hot but mild compared to many other chiles. They are rated between 1500-2000 Heat Units (SHU), a measurement of hotness.
While they’re a perfect addition to any recipe, they’re unavailable in some areas. Here are the best substitutes that you may want to try if Hatch Chiles are not available:
Hatch Chile Substitutes
- Anaheim Pepper
If you cannot find Hatch Chile, consider trying Anaheim pepper, which is milder and more common worldwide. Its flavor is similar to bell pepper and can be used in many recipes. Its sharp heat won’t overpower most dishes and can be used raw or fried.
The Anaheim peppers are mild, sweet peppers that closely resemble the jalapeno and habanero peppers. They are commonly used in Mexican cuisine. They are often associated with Anaheim, California, but in reality, they originated in Mexico.
They are often used in dishes like chile Rellenos, tacos, chili con carne, and enchiladas. You can use them to add a peppery, crunch, smoky, or sweet flavor to dishes. They are also low in calories.
Although Anaheim peppers don’t have a flavor similar to that of Hatch peppers, they are considered the closest substitutes for Hatch chiles in terms of heat. They’re also available in pickled and canned forms.
- Cubanelle Pepper
The Cubanelle pepper is a light green to yellow chili with a sweet taste similar to banana peppers. This pepper is sometimes used as a substitute for Hatch Chile in recipes. The Cubanelle pepper is long and thin, with smooth skin.
It is commonly used in Caribbean and Spanish cuisine. While it doesn’t have the same heat as Hatch Chile, it is a great substitute and is easy to grow. You can buy these peppers online or from your local market.
Cubanelle peppers have a slightly sweet heat and complement a variety of foods, especially those that contain a lot of rich ingredients. The peppers’ low water content makes them easy to fry and add to dishes.
It’s a popular culinary ingredient that can add an extra kick to any dish. You can also cook them in the oven or microwave until tender. They pair well with salads, omelets, and pizza toppings.
The Poblano pepper is a mild chili from Puebla, Mexico. Its mild flavor makes it a popular chili pepper for chile Rellenos. This pepper is best when cooked fresh, though it can also be used raw. This pepper is often dried and used in chiles Rellenos.
Poblano peppers are a mild variety of chili pepper. They are similar to jalapenos but are much smaller. Cooked or roasted, the Poblano peppers make a delicious addition to many dishes. Their thin, waxy skin makes them easy to peel when cooked.
This skin also lends the pepper its papery and waxy texture when raw. You can make various dishes using these peppers, ranging from salads to pasta.
The serrano pepper is an extremely popular chili pepper and can be used as an alternative to hatch chile. You can use Serrano peppers in many dishes, especially Mexican ones with a spicy kick. They can also be used in salads, sauces, and dips, adding an intense flavor to any dish.
In fact, Serrano peppers are an important ingredient in salsa, guacamole, and pico de gallo. They’re also essential to many chili recipes, including Carne Guisada and Morisqueta. They have a grassy, earthy taste and are often substituted for hatch chile in dishes.
- Scotch Bonnet
There are several options if you’re looking for a substitute for hatch chile. Scotch bonnets are a popular substitute and are widely available in stores.
The Scotch bonnet chili pepper is a hot pepper commonly found in the Caribbean and West Africa. This pepper has a heat rating of 100,000 to 350,000 Scoville units. Scotch bonnet peppers are a popular addition to hot sauces, marinades, and dry pepper.
Their distinctive apple-and-cherry-tomato flavor is popular in Jamaican and Haitian cuisine. They can also be used as a garnish on salads or as a flavoring in cocktails.
- Hatch Peppers
If you can’t find Hatch chile in your area, you can always use hatch pepper in your recipes. Its mild flavor makes it an excellent alternative to Hatch chiles. You can also use it as a garnish in salads, casseroles, or sauces.
Red hatch peppers can be a good substitute if you don’t want the heat. These peppers are widely available and have similar heat levels to a Hatch Chile. They have a mild heat with a balance of sweetness and spiciness.
They are widely used in sauces, stews, stuffed peppers, and enchiladas. They can be bought whole or in jarred form, and you can also use them to season meat and veggies.
- Jalapeno Peppers
If you can’t find Hatch Chile, don’t worry, there are other alternatives. Jalapeno peppers are a great substitute for this spicy pepper. They have a milder, sweeter taste and are perfect for stuffing, grilling, and baking. They can also be used in salads and sauces.
They vary in heat and spice, depending on the variety. Jalapeno peppers contain high levels of Scoville heat units. They can be incredibly hot, so they’re often used as a spice in cooking and sauces.
Jalapeno peppers are native to Mexico and can be found in many Mexican dishes. You can buy them in whole, sliced, or stuffed form. They’re a spicy addition to any dish, and you can easily get fresh ones. While canned jalapenos are less spicy, fresh ones are more potent.
In addition to providing heat, jalapenos are also high in potassium and vitamin A. They also contain carotene, which is known to fight cell damage. Additionally, jalapenos are high in folate, vitamin K, and B.
The compound that gives peppers their spicy flavor, capsaicin, is responsible for many health benefits. This compound promotes proper blood flow and may even help prevent obesity.
- Cayenne Peppers
Cayenne peppers are a part of the chili family, originating in South America. They are closely related to jalapenos, poblanos, and serranos but are not nearly as spicy. Cayenne peppers are used to add a spicy kick to food.
They can be used in many dishes, including meat, poultry, fish, and vegetables. You can also use them in marinades and spice blends. Some people also use them in homemade dressings.
Cayenne peppers are widely available in grocery stores, and you can also order them online. Cayenne pepper is beneficial for the heart because it helps lower blood pressure by widening blood vessels in the heart.
It also helps lower bad cholesterol levels and prevents unnecessary blood clotting. As a result, it reduces the risk of heart attack or stroke.
The Bottom Line
Hatch chiles are a popular pepper native to New Mexico and the surrounding area. They are crisp and smoky with an onion flavor when raw.
When roasted, the pepper becomes spicy and earthy. All the alternatives mentioned above can be used if you can’t find Hatch chiles at your nearby grocery store.