Description

Here’s detailed information on the Jalapeño pepper, including its description, nutritional data, PLU code, Ayurvedic insights, and ten healthy dinner recipes incorporating this ingredient.

1. Description

The Jalapeño pepper, typically 2-4 inches long and bright green (or red when ripened), is a medium-sized chili pepper known for its moderate heat. It’s widely used in Mexican and Asian cuisines, salsas, sauces, and spicy dishes. With a Scoville rating of 2,500-8,000 units, the jalapeño adds a spicy kick while offering a fresh, slightly sweet raw flavor.

2. Nutritional Data (per 1 pepper, ~14g)

• Calories: 4 kcal
• Protein: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 0.9 g
• Fiber: 0.4 g
• Vitamin C: 9% of the Daily Value (DV)
• Vitamin A: 2% of DV
• Vitamin B6: 2% of DV
• Folate: 2% of DV
• Capsaicin: The natural compound is known for boosting metabolism and potentially aiding pain relief and inflammation reduction.

3. PLU Code 4693

4. Ayurvedic Data

In Ayurveda, jalapeños are classified under the “heating” foods due to their spicy nature. They:

• Increase Agni (digestive fire): Helps stimulate digestion but should be used moderately for people with a dominant Pitta dosha, as excessive heat can aggravate Pitta.
• Kapha reduction: The warming qualities help to balance Kapha dosha by removing sluggishness and increasing energy.
• Vata considerations: For Vata types, jalapeños can be consumed in moderation and preferably cooked with cooling ingredients like cilantro or coconut to balance potential dryness.

Tip: Jalapeños are excellent for adding flavor and improving meal digestion, especially during colder months.

5. Ten Healthy Dinner Recipes Using Jalapeños

1. Stuffed Jalapeño Poppers

• Fill jalapeños with a mixture of quinoa, black beans, tomatoes, and spices. Bake until the peppers are tender and the filling is warmed through.

2. Jalapeño-Lime Grilled Chicken

• Marinate chicken breasts in lime juice, jalapeños, garlic, and olive oil, then grill until juicy and cooked through.

3. Jalapeño Veggie Stir-Fry

• Sauté mixed vegetables (like bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots) with sliced jalapeños, soy sauce, and garlic. Serve over brown rice or quinoa.

4. Black Bean and Jalapeño Soup

• Combine black beans, jalapeños, tomatoes, and spices in a pot, simmer, and blend for a creamy, spicy soup.

5. Shrimp and Jalapeño Lettuce Wraps

• Sauté shrimp with jalapeños and garlic, then serve in lettuce cups with shredded carrots and cilantro.

6. Jalapeño and Mango Salsa with Grilled Fish

• Prepare a fresh salsa with diced mango, jalapeños, red onion, and lime juice, and spoon it over grilled salmon or tilapia.

7. Quinoa Salad with Jalapeño Vinaigrette

• Toss cooked quinoa with diced vegetables and a jalapeño-lime vinaigrette for a light yet spicy salad.

8. Jalapeño-Turmeric Cauliflower Tacos

• Roast cauliflower with turmeric and jalapeño slices, then serve in whole-grain tortillas with avocado and shredded cabbage.

9. Baked Sweet Potatoes with Jalapeño Black Beans

• Fill baked sweet potatoes with black beans, jalapeño, and diced tomatoes, then top with a dollop of Greek yogurt.

10. Chickpea and Jalapeño Curry

• Simmer chickpeas with tomatoes, coconut milk, ginger, and jalapeños for a flavorful and mildly spicy curry.

These recipes utilize the jalapeño’s flavor and health benefits, offering a variety of ways to incorporate this versatile ingredient into a balanced diet. Let me know if you’d like specific quantities or cooking instructions for these dishes!

Best Jalapeno Poppers with Bacon (or Sliced Asian Pork Belly)