Red, Green or Christmas?
Hey, that’s a legitimate question and is, in fact, the official “State Question” of New Mexico.
No kidding: we have an Official State Question, passed by legislators in the Round House in Santa Fe and utilized by PR folks to establish our unique state identity.
When dining in the Land of Enchantment, that question may be asked, referring to the inclusion of Red Chile sauce, Green Chile sauce or a combo of both (Christmas) on your order of New Mexican food such as enchiladas and smothered burritos.
Chile with an “e” also has the distinction of being the Official Vegetable, sharing the honor with Frijoles (pinto beans). If this is your first visit to New Mexico, you need to be aware that green chile is more that just a condiment, and you will find that it goes with everything.
Green chile for breakfast is the perfect time to see the potential of scrambled eggs and papitas (potatoes) revealed to humanity. Huevos Rancheros smothered in green chile? Simple and nothing finer!
The simple Breakfast Burrito rises to new heights of morning delight when the sausage, egg and papas are liberally saturated with green chiles.
The popularity of burritos as a great way to start the day has risen to new levels of public consciousness. They can be hand-held and portable. Witness their popularity at the International Balloon Festival in the Duke City where the gospel of the Green Chile Breakfast Burrito is broadcast to the entire world on satellite and videos posted on Facebook.
Hamburger fans be advised that the most famous American icon of dining has its own unique place in the Great Southwest. Eloquently named the Green Chile Bacon Cheeseburger, this delectable rendition is as close to ambrosia as you will ever encounter. How can you miss with something so simple in construction with cheese, bacon and green chile on one clump of ground beef!
Hatch, in Southern New Mexico, is considered the heart of the chile industry, but chiles are also grown in the Peñasco area of Northern New Mexico on small patches and in personal gardens. Locals swear those are the best!
New Mexican food – not Mexican – is especially important to the people who live in Northern New Mexico. Food is pleasure. Food is culture. Food is philosophy and food is spiritual!
With all the joys of the five senses, plus another two or three senses most folks are not aware of – like the sense of adventure, the sense of enlightenment and the sense of wonder… Eat well, my friends!