What are Ancho Chiles?

Ancho chiles are dried poblano peppers that come from Mexico. They are a mild chili with a sweet and smoky flavor, and they are commonly used in Mexican cuisine. Ancho chiles are usually sold whole, dried, and sometimes seeded. They are often ground into a powder and used as a spice or rehydrated and used in sauces, stews, and marinades.

When you buy ancho chiles, look for ones that are pliable and not brittle. The color should be a deep red-brown and they should have a fruity aroma. Avoid chiles that have mold or are discolored.

How to Use Ancho Chiles?

Ancho chiles can be used in a variety of ways in cooking. Here are some ideas:

Rehydrate the chiles by soaking them in hot water for about 20-30 minutes. Once they are soft, remove the stems and seeds and chop them up to use in sauces, stews, and marinades.
Grind the chiles into a powder and use it as a spice rub for meats, vegetables, and even popcorn.
Add the rehydrated chiles to scrambled eggs, quiche, or omelets for a spicy kick.
Blend the rehydrated chiles with other ingredients like garlic, onion, and tomatoes to make a flavorful salsa or enchilada sauce.
Use the ground ancho chile powder to make a dry rub for grilled meats or vegetables.

Are Ancho Chiles Spicy?

Ancho chiles are considered a mild chili, but they still have a bit of heat to them. On the Scoville scale, which measures the spiciness of peppers, ancho chiles range from 1,000 to 2,000 Scoville units. This is about the same level of spiciness as a jalapeño pepper.

However, the heat of ancho chiles can vary depending on how they are prepared. Removing the seeds and membranes will reduce the heat, while leaving them in will make the chile spicier. If you are sensitive to spice, start with a small amount of ancho chile and add more as needed.

What Dishes Can I Make With Ancho Chiles?

Ancho chiles are a versatile ingredient that can be used in many dishes. Here are some ideas:

Chili: Use ancho chiles in place of traditional chili powder for a smokier flavor.
Tacos: Add rehydrated ancho chiles to ground beef or chicken for a spicy taco filling.
Enchiladas: Blend rehydrated ancho chiles with garlic, onion, and tomatoes to make a flavorful enchilada sauce.
Mole: Ancho chiles are a key ingredient in mole sauce, which is a popular Mexican sauce made with chiles, nuts, and spices.
Stew: Add rehydrated ancho chiles to a beef, chicken, or vegetable stew for a smoky flavor.

Where Can I Buy Ancho Chiles?

Ancho chiles can be found in most grocery stores, usually in the international or Mexican food aisle. They can also be purchased online from specialty food stores or Mexican markets. Look for chiles that are whole, dried, and pliable.

Conclusion

Ancho chiles are a delicious and versatile ingredient that can add a smoky, sweet flavor to a variety of dishes. Whether you use them whole, ground, or rehydrated, ancho chiles are a great addition to any pantry. Experiment with different recipes and cooking methods to discover your favorite way to use ancho chiles.

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How To Cook With Ancho Chiles

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