guajillo chile

Guajillo Chile

Guajillo chiles are a staple in Mexican cuisine, prized for their vibrant red color, thin, leathery skin, and mild to medium heat. These dried chiles offer a complex flavor profile featuring fruity, slightly sweet notes with hints of berry and green tea. Often used in sauces, stews, and marinades, guajillo chiles impart a rich, earthy flavor and beautiful hue to dishes. If you're looking to add depth and authentic Mexican flavor to your cooking without overpowering spice, guajillo chiles are an excellent choice. Discover how to use guajillo peppers in authentic Mexican recipes and elevate your culinary creations.

Common Uses

  • To make authentic enchilada sauce, rehydrate guajillo chiles and blend them with garlic, onion, and spices for a rich, flavorful base that perfectly coats tortillas.
  • Guajillo chiles can be toasted and ground into a powder to create a dry rub for meats like chicken, pork, or beef, adding a smoky and subtly sweet element to grilled or roasted dishes.
  • As an important ingredient in mole sauces, guajillo chiles contribute to the complex layers of flavor, working alongside other chiles, nuts, and spices to create a traditional and unforgettable sauce.
  • Use guajillo peppers to prepare adobo marinade for different types of meats to achieve maximum flavor. Rehydrated chiles blended with spices gives the meat a reddish color and deep taste.
  • To enhance the flavors in soups and stews, add guajillo chiles during the cooking process; this can be done using whole rehydrated chiles or guajillo chile powder adding depth, color and complexity.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

282.0kcal (14.1%)

Protein

14.0g (28%)

Carbs

48.0g (17.45%)

Sugars

8.0g (16%)

Healthy Fat

10.0g

Unhealthy Fat

2.0g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Health Benefits

  • Excellent source of Vitamin A, vital for vision, immune function, and cell growth.
  • Rich in antioxidants, which help protect the body against free radical damage and chronic diseases.
  • Contains capsaicin, known for its anti-inflammatory and potential pain-relieving properties.
  • Good source of dietary fiber, promoting healthy digestion and gut health.
  • May contribute to improved heart health by helping to lower cholesterol levels.
  • Provides essential minerals like iron and potassium, crucial for energy production and maintaining healthy blood pressure.

Storage Tips

Guajillo chiles are best stored in a cool, dark, and dry place to maintain their flavor and prevent spoilage. An airtight container or resealable bag is ideal. Whole dried chiles can last for up to a year if stored properly at room temperature. Ground guajillo chile powder should also be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place and will retain its quality for about six months. Avoid exposure to moisture, heat, and direct sunlight, as these can degrade the quality and flavor of the chiles.

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