In this episode, we look at three amazingly versatile ingredients: peppers, onions and butter. Host Francis Lam visits the home kitchen of Latin food scholar and chef Maricel Presilla. Her latest book is Peppers of the Americas: The Remarkable Capsicums that Forever Changed Flavor. She shows Francis how she makes a few essential pepper-rich sauces and dishes. Speaking of peppers, can't find Hatch green chiles for your chili? Have no fear; America’s Test Kitchen found a fantastic pepper workaround for their Colorado Green Chile recipe. Francis talks about the search for world-class butter with writer Alex Halberstadt. And contributor Joe Yonan talks to Kate Winslow, co-author of Onions, Etcetera, about one of the most underappreciated vegetables of all time. Plus, Francis talks with listeners about cooking anchovy filets, and getting the best out of your cast iron skillet. Splendid Table Video: Francis Lam on how to chop onions.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

• August 11, 2017 (originally aired)
• August 17, 2018 (rebroadcast)
• June 21, 2019 (rebroadcast)