Eat Chile, Know the Land

Eat Chile, Know the Land

To taste chiles is to experience the land itself. In New Mexico, chile isn’t just a crop—it’s a cultural connection, a symbol of identity, and a bridge between generations and borders. As Divana Olivas reflects, chile is at the heart of both New Mexican and Mexican identities, creating a unique cross-border chile culture rooted in presence, care, and tradition.

Eating chile becomes more than a meal—it becomes a way of knowing the land. And the recipes, stories, and traditions that grow alongside the chile plant offer deeper ways to appreciate and tend to that land. From the aroma of roasted green chile in late summer to the family recipes passed down through generations, chile continues to shape both cultural memory and present-day experience.

A Versatile Tradition on Every Table

One of the many beloved ways to enjoy chile is through stuffed green chiles. These can be served as an appetizer or as a hearty entrée paired with rice and beans. They’re also easily adaptable—swap out the ground beef for ground turkey, pork, or chicken, or create a vegetarian version with chopped vegetables and grains. And when Hatch chiles are out of season, bell peppers or poblanos make a great substitute, retaining that signature warmth and flavor.

Voices from the Kitchen: Tina Archuleta of Itality

Chef Tina Archuleta, owner of Itality, a vegan restaurant focused on sustainable practices, embodies the spirit of chile culture through her food. In a recent episode of 5-Minute Fridays, Tina shares how her connection to growing food, food processing, and Indigenous ingredients shapes her culinary approach. Her deep respect for land and heritage comes alive in every dish she prepares.

Listen to the full podcast episode on your favorite platform and hear how Tina weaves cultural roots into her menu, redefining what it means to cook with intention and legacy.

Support Local, Taste Local

Each season, edible New Mexico is made possible by the support of local advertising partners. If you enjoy reading about the food and people shaping our regional food culture, consider supporting the businesses that help keep these stories alive:

• Wild Leaven Bakery – Indulge in a Green & Red Chile Croissant for a delicious, flaky twist on tradition.
  1189 Parkway, Suite E3, Santa Fe
• Bon Marché – Explore colorful French artisan lifestyle goods at this charming boutique.
  1526 Pacheco Street, Santa Fe

Help Share These Stories

If you believe in preserving and celebrating New Mexico’s rich food traditions, consider subscribing or donating to support edible New Mexico. Your support ensures that stories about food, agriculture, and community remain accessible to readers across the region.

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Together, we can keep telling the stories that connect us to the land—and to one another.