This mini pepper is technically known as an internal proliferation, and is due to a natural process called parthenocarpy. Parthenocarpy is when any fruit develops without fertilization, and in the case of bell peppers, it results in these small internal tissue growths. Although it can have the same shape and look like a regular pepper, if you cut open this mini pepper, you'll find it's completely seedless.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture published the Plant Hardiness Zone Map, which breaks the country into 13 zones that help determine the best time of year to get started on various fruits and vegetables, such as peppers. Each zone varies by 10 degrees, and each subzone varies by five degrees, even if a single state can technically be broken into several zones.
One of the problems with making a big pot of chili is having the patience for getting that pot to a simmer. Seasoned chili chefs will set the burner on the stove to low and allow it to come to a simmer over a long period of time. Could be even an hour. However, if you've never made chili before or are an impatient cook, that can spell disaster for your dish.
Forget jarred salsa - the homemade stuff is way better. Whether you're putting out a spread of chips and dip or you want to top your tacos with something bold and flavorful, homemade salsa always does the trick. But you don't have to stick with the same-old, same-old salsa recipes you use time and time again. By switching up your ingredients (and, occasionally, your technique), you can reimagine all of your favorite recipes in countless, flavorful ways.
Mapo tofu is one of Sichuan cuisine's most iconic dishes. It consists of silky tofu bathed in a fiery, aromatic sauce that balances heat, numbing spice and rich umami flavor. Mapo tofu roughly translates to pockmarked grandma's tofu, which is named for the elderly Chengdu woman who created the dish in the 19th century. The stew is traditionally made with soft tofu, ground beef or pork. A potent blend of hot chili oil, fermented broad bean paste (doubanjiang) and Sichuan peppercorns delivers heat and complexity to the fiery stew. Meanwhile, the peppercorns numb the tongue, which helps to temper the chili heat.
Cold, blustery winter days were made for chili. This incredibly versatile and flavorful dish is warming for both the body and the soul and can be brought together in virtually no time at all. That being said, we're always looking for shortcuts that cut down on the time it takes to make dinner while simultaneously boosting the dish's heartiness, which is precisely why we like adding jarred salsa to our favorite chili recipe.
Coriander and cumin aren't direct substitutes. Cumin is more pungent and earthy, so if used in place of coriander, I recommend using about half the amount and adding a touch of citrus zest or fennel seed to restore brightness.
Topped with cheese, sour cream, and a handful of scallions, there's nothing cozier than a warm bowl of chili during the height of winter. Whether you prefer yours con carne or vegetarian-friendly, there are types of chili to fit virtually every palate, sensitivity, or dietary preference. If you're looking for a version with an extra hit of protein - or for a vegan or gluten-free option - look no further than quinoa, the humble super food that's packed with magnesium, zinc, iron, and fiber.