How to Skin Green Chili Peppers

Green chili peppers can burn you; handle them with gloves.

You must remove the outer skin of green chili peppers to enjoy them. Each autumn throughout Texas, New Mexico and Colorado, chili roaster cages turn over a hot fire and fill the chilly air with the distinctive aroma of roasting peppers. The peppers are sold by the pound or in 10-lb. and 20-lb. burlap bags. Grocers and street vendors offer the service of roasting the peppers to loosen the outer skin. Buyers then take the peppers home and finish the process of removing the loosened skin. Chili season is a much awaited event, and people purchase enough chili for most of the year.

Things You'll Need

• Broiler
• Cookie sheet
• Large container
• Plastic wrap
• Rubber gloves
• Safety glasses
• Freezer bags

Instructions

1. Wash and dry the green chili peppers thoroughly.

2. Turn the broiler in the oven on high.

3. Place the green chili peppers side by side in a single layer on a cookie sheet.

4. Roast the green chili peppers approximately three to four minutes on each side.

5. Place the green chili peppers in a large container, cover it with plastic wrap and allow the green peppers to steam until cool.

6. Peel the skins off of the peppers. It may be necessary to do so under running water for skins that are stubborn to remove. Wear rubber gloves and even safety glasses. Handling the peppers without gloves will irritate the skin, and gas from the green chili peppers can do the same to the eyes. Unconsciously touching the face or eyes will result in a serious burning sensation.

7. Place the peppers in a plastic bag and freeze until ready for use.

Tips & Warnings

• Dice the peppers and freeze them in small packages for single use recipes, as well as large packages of whole green chili peppers.

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water several times even if you wore gloves to handle the peppers.

References

• What's Cooking America: Chili Peppers