The ancho chile is a staple of Mexican cooking. Their mild heat and sweet smoky flavor are unique and can enhance the flavor of any meal. Let’s take a look at the spicy dried pepper.
AND TRY THESE ANCHO CHILE RECIPES:Hibiscus Ancho Sorbet.Ancho Orange Beer Can Chicken.Cinnamon Ancho Strawberry S’more Bites.Mexican Hot Chocolate.Grilled Corn On The Cob With Ancho Orange Mayonnaise.Puebla Hot Pot Broth with Avocado Crema.Tres Queso Chicken Pasta.Paloma with Ancho-Arbol Syrup.
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Hibiscus Ancho Sorbet.
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Ancho Orange Beer Can Chicken.
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Cinnamon Ancho Strawberry S’more Bites.
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Mexican Hot Chocolate.
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Grilled Corn On The Cob With Ancho Orange Mayonnaise.
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Puebla Hot Pot Broth with Avocado Crema.
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Tres Queso Chicken Pasta.
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Paloma with Ancho-Arbol Syrup.
What is an ancho chile?
Ancho chiles (also called anchos) are dried poblano chile peppers.
Most poblano peppers are green, which means they are unripened. To produce anchos, the peppers are allowed to ripen on the plant until they turn red in color. They are then picked and dried. Sun dried ancho chiles are the gold standard.
How do you use them?
Traditionally, ancho chiles are pureed and used in sauces. It is one of the key ingredients used in making mole sauce.
Ancho chiles are softened and reconstituted in hot water before being pureed into sauces. Remove the stem and seeds first. Next, soak them in the water for 15-20 minutes. If you puree the peppers for sauces after rehydrating them, the flavor will be more consistent.
Frequently, roasting ancho chiles is suggested. This brings back some of the flavors that go dormant during the drying process. Just put them in the oven at high heat for a few minutes or flash sear them in a pan for about 15 seconds per side.
Besides the ubiquitous mole sauce, the flavor of an ancho chile tastes great in these dishes:
Dried Chili Peppers | Best Peppers for Cooking
FAQ
What are ancho chillies used for?
Which is hotter ancho or jalapeno?
Are ancho and poblano peppers the same?
What flavors go well with ancho chiles?
What to eat with ancho chile peppers?
Consider it your go-to herb for that real Mediterranean flavor. Try oregano and ancho chile peppers with a Greek Tabbouleh Salad Arepas With Ancho Yogurt Sauce. GRAB YOUR ANCHO PRODUCTS!
What can I substitute for chili pepper?
There are many varieties of chili peppers that have varying levels of heat. Typically, the larger the pepper, the milder the heat. If you don’t have chili peppers for the spicy kick needed in a dish you can substitute cayenne pepper or hot paprika. Start with small amounts to taste, then add more if the dish is not spicy enough. For individuals who don’t like spicy food, a mild sweet paprika works as a replacement, or simply use less chili pepper than the recipe calls for. You can also try bell peppers if you are looking to replace nutrients lost by removing chili pepper. For those who are allergic to peppers in general, the appropriate substitution will depend on the specific recipe. Many times chili pepper can be left out of a recipe. Experimentation is best way to find out what works.
What can you do with ancho chiles?
Ancho chiles are incredibly versatile and can be used in various dishes. They’re great for soups, stews, and marinades. Rehydrating them in hot water softens the chiles, making them perfect for blending into rich and flavorful sauces or pastes. Their mild heat and rich flavor mean they’re ideal for adding depth to vegetarian dishes.
What can I substitute for ancho peppers?
If you need a substitute in the spice aisle for ancho peppers, try chipotle powder which also provides a smoky flavor. Ancho pair nicely with these herbs and spices. Try them together the next time you’re in the kitchen cooking something up for lunch or dinner.