dried guajillo chiles

Dried Guajillo Chiles

Dried guajillo chiles are a staple in Mexican cuisine, celebrated for their vibrant red color and mild to medium heat. These chiles, with their smooth, leathery skin, offer a slightly fruity and smoky flavor with hints of berries and green tea. Guajillo chiles are relatively mild, registering between 2,500 and 5,000 on the Scoville scale, making them a versatile ingredient for those who enjoy a touch of spice without overwhelming heat. Using dried guajillo peppers brings a depth of flavor and rich color to various dishes, offering a unique aromatic quality that enhances culinary creations. Find dried guajillo chiles at Mexican grocers or specialty food stores, and use them to add a delightful touch of warmth and complexity to your recipes.

Common Uses

  • For authentic Mexican sauces and salsas: Dried guajillo chiles are a key ingredient in many traditional Mexican sauces, like enchilada sauce and mole. They add a rich, slightly fruity flavor and a vibrant red color to the base of these sauces.- In marinades for meats and vegetables: Guajillo chiles can be rehydrated and blended into marinades for grilled or roasted meats, poultry, and vegetables, imparting a complex smoky flavor and tenderizing effect.- To create flavorful chile pastes: Dried guajillo peppers can be ground into a fine powder or blended into a paste with other spices and herbs to create a versatile seasoning for various dishes.- As a natural food coloring agent: The intense red color of guajillo chiles makes them a natural and appealing way to add visual vibrancy to dishes without the use of artificial colorings.- To enhance stews, soups, and braises: Adding rehydrated guajillo chiles to stews, soups, or braises adds depth and complexity to the flavor profile, providing a subtle heat and smoky notes.- Used in dry rubs for barbecuing: Ground guajillo chile powder adds a mild, fruity heat to dry rubs for ribs, chicken, and other barbecued meats, creating a unique flavor profile that complements the smoky cooking process.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

283.0kcal (14.15%)

Protein

13.5g (27%)

Carbs

54.0g (19.64%)

Sugars

10.0g (20%)

Healthy Fat

10.1g

Unhealthy Fat

2.0g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Health Benefits

  • Rich source of antioxidants that combat free radicals.
  • Contains vitamins A and C, supporting immune function and vision.
  • Good source of dietary fiber, promoting digestive health.
  • May help boost metabolism and aid in weight management.
  • Contains capsaicin, which may have anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Provides trace minerals like iron and potassium, essential for overall health.

Storage Tips

Dried guajillo chiles should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark, and dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat. Properly stored, they can last for up to a year. To restore their pliability before use, you can lightly toast them in a dry skillet or rehydrate them in warm water for about 30 minutes.

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