Re: [CH] Smoking habaneros

Sandy Olson (sandyo@myclearwave.net)
Sat, 15 Aug 2009 12:31:55 -0500

Hi Jonathan....I've not smoked habs but have done loads of jals to make 
chipotles and the process would be the same I'm sure.

I use a dedicated smoker since long ago I read that one should not use a 
grill/smoker than has had meat done it in as the grease on the walls of the 
unit will give the peppers an off-taste.  Don't know if that's true but I 
was a real 'newbie' and wanted to do it right and now that I have the extra 
smoker, I just use it for vegetables.

I bought a small electric smoker...A Lil' Chief...and it works very well.  I 
wash the peppers and, since they are thick-walled, I put a slit into each 
side.  I smoke them over whatever wood I happen to have...apple or hickory. 
Not mesquite.  I like them a little chewy, sort of like prunes, rather than 
crispy so I just watch them until they are the texture I prefer.  I keep 
them frozen for that reason since they will mold due to the moisture still 
in them.  This is a personal choice; you can sure smoke them until they are 
crunchy.

It's an easy process, you don't have to watch them except to add more wood 
chips if desired.  I usually use two pans of chips and after that smoke is 
done, just let them dry.

Hope this is what you wanted to know.

SandyO
CH #1146 of the moderate persuasion; chipotles are hot enough!!