Mulato Pepper
The mulato pepper is a mild, dried chile pepper prized for its rich, complex flavor profile. It's a dark, wrinkled pod, almost black in color, with a smooth texture and a subtle, sweet, chocolatey undertone. Mulato peppers aren't particularly spicy, registering a mild heat level on the Scoville scale, making them perfect for adding depth and warmth to dishes without overpowering them with heat. Often confused with ancho chiles (but not the same!), mulato peppers are a staple in authentic Mexican cuisine, especially in mole sauces and adobos. They offer a unique combination of smoky, fruity, and slightly licorice-like notes, making them a sought-after ingredient for both home cooks and professional chefs looking to elevate their recipes with genuine Mexican flavors.
Common Uses
- To create authentic mole sauces, soak mulato peppers in hot water to rehydrate them, then blend them with other chiles, nuts, seeds, spices, and chocolate for a deeply flavorful and complex sauce.
- For making flavorful adobo marinades, grind dried mulato peppers into a powder or puree them with other ingredients like garlic, onions, and vinegar to create a rich and savory marinade for meats, poultry, or vegetables before grilling or roasting.
- Adding depth to stews and braises, toast dried mulato peppers lightly to enhance their smoky flavor, then add them whole or chopped to stews and braises for a subtle heat and a rich, complex taste that develops as the dish simmers.
- Creating flavorful chili powders, grind dried mulato peppers with other spices like cumin, oregano, and garlic powder to create a homemade chili powder blend that adds a unique smoky sweetness to chili, tacos, and other Southwestern dishes.
- Making a mulato pepper infused oil, gently heat the peppers in oil for a complex flavor to elevate dishes. Use this flavorful oil as a base for salad dressings or as a finishing oil for grilled meats.
Nutrition (per serving)
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories
20.0kcal (1%)
Protein
1.0g (2%)
Carbs
4.0g (1.45%)
Sugars
1.0g (2%)
Healthy Fat
0.4g
Unhealthy Fat
0.1g
% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories
20.0kcal (1%)
Protein
1.0g (2%)
Carbs
4.0g (1.45%)
Sugars
1.0g (2%)
Healthy Fat
0.4g
Unhealthy Fat
0.1g
% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet
Health Benefits
- Rich in Vitamin A, crucial for vision, immune function, and cell growth.
- Good source of antioxidants, helping to protect against cell damage from free radicals.
- Contains capsaicin, which may have anti-inflammatory properties.
- May aid in digestion due to its fiber content.
- Low in calories and fat, making it a healthy addition to meals.
Storage Tips
Store dried mulato peppers in an airtight container in a cool, dark, and dry place like a pantry. Properly stored, they can last for up to a year. To rehydrate, soak in hot water for about 30 minutes until softened. Once rehydrated, use immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to a few days.
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