New Mexico: Green Chile Cheeseburger

Sandwich served: October 21, 2013

I received countless emails telling me how fabulous and essential Hatch green chiles are to the New Mexico sandwich. A few even offered to ship a batch to me in Chicago! I should have taken them up on their offer because when I started my hunt, fresh green chiles were nowhere to be found. I called all over town and was ready to buy a ten pound bag online when I received an email from my mom with a picture of a giant display of Hatch green chilies in her grocery store in Williamsburg, VA. The next day a FedEx box arrived stuffed to the brim with chiles – thanks Mom!

Well aware that this would be my only supply, I put them in the oven to roast and crossed my fingers that I was doing everything correctly. Fortunately it all worked out, and a little taste test left my lips appropriately singed.

Liz, an old classmate of mine, and her girlfriend Jeanette, who is from New Mexico, joined us on a Monday night for green chile burgers. Kyle kicked off the night with classic margaritas. He infused a simple syrup with a few slices of green chile, which added a nice spice. Later, I dumped this same simple syrup on the burgers and all over the floor. Not my finest moment in Stately Sandwich history.

The four of us sat around the table and the conversation flowed so naturally you'd think we'd known each other for years. Eventually we moved from table to couch and lost track of time playing Scattergories. Overall it was one of the better Mondays to date.

The making of sandwich #34: