The Tortilla Burger

Red or green? It’s the state question of New Mexico. If someone asks you this, you are probably placing an order for something very tasty.

The New Mexican chile, a staple of the state’s diet, is available in red or green. The red color is the result after a green chile has stayed on the vine for an additional four to five weeks to ripen. But unlike green chile (which is generally found fresh-roasted and diced) red chile is normally found in powdered form and used for seasoning and sauces. Many take great pride in making the best possible red chile sauce.