Green chile refers to a type of chili pepper that is green in color when ripe. It can also refer to dishes made with these chilies, which are commonly found in Mexican and Southwestern cuisine. Green chiles have a mildly spicy flavor and a slightly sweet taste due to the presence of capsaicin and other compounds that give them their characteristic heat. They are often used raw or cooked in various dishes such as enchiladas, burritos, salsas, stews, and soups. Green chiles can also be roasted and ground into a powder to create green chile powder, which is commonly used in recipes for chili, tacos, and other dishes.