
Ancho Chile
Ancho chili peppers, also known as chile ancho, are dried Poblano peppers and a staple in Mexican cuisine. Recognizable by their rich, reddish-brown to almost black color and wrinkled skin, ancho chiles offer a mild heat with a complex, fruity, and slightly smoky flavor. They are an essential ingredient for adding depth and mild warmth to sauces, stews, and marinades. The flesh of the dried ancho chili is pliable and leathery when rehydrated, lending a pleasing texture to dishes. When ground, ancho chili powder provides a convenient way to incorporate this beloved flavor into your cooking.
Common Uses
- Ancho chili peppers are commonly used to create authentic mole sauces. Their mild heat and fruity notes create a balanced, flavorful base for this complex Mexican sauce. Rehydrated ancho chiles are blended with other ingredients to make the mole.- For enchilada sauce recipes, rehydrated and blended ancho chiles create a vibrant and flavorful sauce. Their mild heat complements the other spices, resulting in a delicious and authentic enchilada experience.- Ancho chili powder can be used as a rub for grilled or smoked meats. Its smoky and slightly sweet flavor adds depth to beef, pork, and chicken.- Add depth to soups and stews by incorporating either whole rehydrated ancho chiles (removing them before serving) or a spoonful of ancho chili powder. The ancho flavor builds a flavorful and savory base for your soup.- Marinades for tacos and fajitas benefit from the complex flavors of ancho chili. Blended into a marinade, ancho chiles tenderize the meat while imparting a subtle smoky sweetness.- Add to spice blends for homemade chili or other Southwestern-inspired dishes to enhance their flavor profiles. The slightly sweet and smoky notes of ancho complement other spices, creating a complex flavor.
Nutrition (per serving)
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories
282.0kcal (14.1%)
Protein
14.0g (28%)
Carbs
54.0g (19.64%)
Sugars
18.0g (36%)
Healthy Fat
9.0g
Unhealthy Fat
2.0g
% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories
282.0kcal (14.1%)
Protein
14.0g (28%)
Carbs
54.0g (19.64%)
Sugars
18.0g (36%)
Healthy Fat
9.0g
Unhealthy Fat
2.0g
% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet
Health Benefits
- Rich in Vitamin A, supporting vision, immune function, and cell growth.
- Good source of antioxidants, helping to protect against cell damage and inflammation.
- Contains dietary fiber, promoting healthy digestion and gut health.
- May boost metabolism due to the presence of capsaicin.
- Offers a small amount of iron, contributing to energy levels and red blood cell production.
Substitutes
Storage Tips
Store ancho chiles in an airtight container in a cool, dark, and dry place, such as a pantry or cupboard. Whole dried chiles can last for up to a year. Ground ancho chili powder should be stored similarly and is best used within six months to maintain its flavor and potency. You can also freeze ancho chiles in an airtight container for longer storage; they don't typically require thawing before use.
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