CHILE PEPPER RECIPES

Steps:

• Rinse chiles and split open, discarding stems, seeds, and ribs.
• Heat a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet over moderate heat, then toast chiles, skin sides up, in batches, about 30 seconds (be careful not to burn them, or sauce will be bitter). Transfer chiles as toasted to a heatproof bowl and pour boiling water over them. Cover bowl and soak chiles, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 15 minutes.
• Purée chiles with three fourths of soaking liquid, reserving remainder, in a blender until smooth (use caution when blending hot liquids). Pour purée through a coarse sieve into a bowl, pressing on solids, and discard solids. Whisk reserved soaking liquid into chile mixture.
• Cook onion, garlic, cumin, and oregano in oil in a large heavy saucepan over moderately low heat, stirring, 2 minutes. Add flour and cook, stirring, 2 minutes. Whisk in chile mixture and simmer, partially covered, whisking occasionally, until reduced to about 2 1/2 cups, about 30 minutes. Season with salt, vinegar, and sugar.

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350°F. Spray 3-quart oval or rectangular baking dish (13x9-inch) with cooking spray.
• In 8-inch nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook 2 to 3 minutes or until tender. Reduce heat to medium-low; stir in condensed soup, enchilada sauce, milk, green chiles, chili powder, cumin and salt. Cook 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
• Spread 1 cup sauce mixture in bottom of baking dish. Arrange 6 tortillas on top of sauce mixture. Top with 1 cup chicken, 1/2 cup beans, 1/2 cup cheese and 1 cup sauce. Repeat with another layer of 6 tortillas, 1 cup chicken, 1/2 cup beans, 1/2 cup cheese and 1 cup sauce. Top with remaining 6 tortillas, 1 cup chicken, 1/2 cup beans, 1 cup sauce and 1 cup cheese.
• Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until hot and bubbly on edges (165°F in center). Let stand 20 minutes before serving. Serve with Toppings, as desired.
• If making ahead to bake and serve at a later date: Line 13x9-inch (3-quart) baking dish with 2 layers of plastic wrap, leaving enough overhang to completely enclose assembled casserole. Allow sauce mixture to cool completely, covered, 30 to 45 minutes in refrigerator before assembling casserole. Assemble casserole in dish; cover with another layer of plastic wrap. Freeze unbaked casserole about 8 hours or until completely frozen. Transfer frozen casserole to labeled 2-gallon resealable freezer plastic bag. Remove air; seal and freeze up to three months. To bake: Spray 13x9-inch (3-quart) baking dish with cooking spray. Remove plastic wrap from casserole; place in baking dish. Cover tightly with foil; thaw completely in refrigerator, 24 to 48 hours. Heat oven to 350°F. Uncover; bake 45 to 55 minutes or until hot and bubbly on edges (165°F in center). Let stand 20 minutes before serving. Serve with Toppings, as desired.