Jalapeño

Six ingredients yield big dividends. Be sure to use a good-quality fruity olive oil.

A perfect introduction to the allure of chiles, this Italian classic balances the cherry peppers' piquancy with roasted bell peppers, lemon, and parsley. It's a bright, summery dish that you'll hanker for all year long.

A double layer of bread crumbs is the key to these extra-crispy homemade bar snacks.

Dried guajillo chiles and New Mexico chiles can be found in some supermarkets and at specialty foods stores and Latin markets.

This comforting soup is richly flavored but not at all heavy. Fresh ginger and red jalapeños add a nicespiciness. If you can't find red jalapeños, serrano chiles or green jalapeños would make a good substitute.

Despite the exotic name of this sandwich, you can get all the ingredients right at the supermarket. Liverwurst stands in for the traditional pork-pâté filling—the meatiness works beautifully with the sharp-flavored vegetables and fresh cilantro.

Brown sugar and molasses are balanced by fresh ginger and jalapeños.

Skirt steak, which is full of flavor and holds marinades well, is the essential beef cut for fajitas.

Chilies, lime juice and mint enhance the flavor of our Thai Summer Rolls .

This dense and savory stuffing resembles the filling inside a tamale. This recipe makes enough to stuff the Mole-Roasted Turkey with Masa Stuffing and Chile Gravy, or to serve eight people when baked as a side dish.

What to drink: Salsas can be tricky when it comes to pairing, but here a soft, fruity red wine with medium body is just the thing. Try Martín Códax 2006 "Ergo" Tempranillo (Rioja, Spain, $15).

Why you'll make it: Because it's that one easy, really delicious recipe for barbecued chicken that every cook needs. Grilling bone-in chicken takes a bit more time than boneless, but the flavor payoff is worth it. Stay close to the grill and flip the pieces every six to eight minutes. Rub spices on the chicken at least six hours ahead.

If desired, garnish drinks with a wedge of grilled pineapple and a chile slice.

This paste showcases the layered flavors typical of Southeast Asian cooking. While the lemongrass does require a bit of work, its subtle but penetrating flavor is key. Adjust the amount of jalapeño peppers according to your heat tolerance and the heat level of the chiles you are using. We also like to use this spice paste on any type of grilled lamb.

Across Southeast Asia, roadside vendors with small hibachis grill up delicious skewers and other street snacks. Inspired those fresh, tasty treats, this appetizer features grilled shrimp served with two simple yet boldly flavored dipping sauces.

Here, tomatillos become a brilliant green sauce for baked fish.