Hatch chile roasting events return to Mollie Stone’s markets, along with gourmet chef creations for takeout

Hatch chiles, the signature crop of Hatch, New Mexico, are ripe and ready for roasting.

After a two-year hiatus, Mollie Stone’s markets in the Bay Area are again partnering with Melissa’s Produce to roast these famous chiles — they have several tons’ worth — for their customers. Some folks take them home to use in recipes (they freeze well, the produce managers say); others scarf them down right there.

Hatch chiles are known for their earthy, meaty flavor that develops during the Hatch Valley’s hot days and cool nights. Fans say the chiles’ heat level can be unpredictable, ranging from mild to extra hot.

The crop ripened early this year, Mollie Stone’s executive chef John Ness said, compared with last year’s later season.

Want to Hatch out without cooking? Mollie Stone’s chefs are making a huge array of dishes, all available through Sept. 17, including Hatch chiles relleno, enchiladas, quesadillas, macaroni and cheese and grilled salmon with mango-chile salsa.

“We also do our famous tri-tip with a roasted bell pepper, honey and Hatch chile aioli,” Ness said, adding that the tri-tip also comes in a sandwich version with Hatch chiles and Havarti. “There’s a ‘potato bomb,’ which is basically a potato croquette filled with cheddar cheese, Hatch chiles, all kinds of good stuff, and quickly deep-fried. It’s nice as a side dish. And the roasted corn, tomato and Hatch chile salad is one of my favorites.”

New this year, he said, is a chicken breast stuffed with a Hatch chile, jalapeno, artichoke and cream cheese mixture.

All of those dishes are available in the deli. In the meat department, butchers are making fresh Hatch chile-studded sausages, and the bakery is offering Hatch chile cornbread.

Roastings will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at these locations:

Saturday, Sept. 3: Sausalito, 100 Harbor Drive

Sunday, Sept. 4: San Mateo, 49 W. 42nd Ave.

Saturday, Sept. 10: Burlingame, 1477 Chapin Ave.

Sunday, Sept. 11: San Francisco Twin Peaks, 635 Portola Drive

Saturday, Sept. 17: Palo Alto, 164 S. California Ave.

Boxes of fresh or roasted chiles may be pre-ordered at www.molliestones.com for pickup on Wednesdays, Thursdays or on roasting days — especially if you want a huge order (customers have been known to buy 25 pounds or more). Keep in mind, the store’s cooks say, that roasting will decrease the weight of the chiles.