Jalapeno peppers come in reds and greens.
The jalapeno pepper varies in temperature from mild to hot and is both low in saturated fat and cholesterol. This healthy fruit adds a spicy punch to a large variety of dishes, from chili to chicken, and, depending on your palate, can even be eaten whole. However, adding too much jalapeno pepper to a dish scorches the tongue of even the spiciest of chili lovers. To make a dish milder, use techniques that employ acids, sugars and dairy.
Instructions
Sugars
1. Dice fresh pineapple into small chunks that are easily crushed in a food processor.
2. Crush one or two cups of diced pineapple in the food processor.
3. Add the crushed pineapple to your jalapeno-spiced dish, if palatable. Pineapple works well when added to chili, salsas and curries. The sugary fruit neutralizes the jalapeno pepper.
Acids
4. Cut a lemon or lime into fourths with a sharp kitchen knife. Apply firm pressure with the palm of your hand and roll the lemon or lime against the cutting board before cutting. Rolling these fruits helps to release their juices.
5. Place a single lemon or lime wedge onto the plate of the finished, jalapeno-spiced dish.
6. Allow diners to squeeze as much or as little juice onto their servings as suits their palate. The acidic juice neutralizes the spicy jalapeno flavor and makes the dish milder.
Dairy
7. Add a cup of whole sour cream or plain yogurt to chili, salsas and dishes that feature potatoes, refried beans or fish. Mix the dairy products into the entire dish or just into the sauce.
8. Serve individual servings of the jalapeno-spiced dish with the sour cream and chili, instead of adding it to the entire dish. This way the diner can choose how much or how little dairy to add to his or her food.
9. Sprinkle solid, shredded cheeses, like cheddar or mozzarella, onto spicy dishes. Mexican and Italian dishes work well with solid cheeses.
Tags: jalapeno pepper, jalapeno-spiced dish, , chili salsas, dish milder, entire dish, food processor