Forktionary

Ancho Chily

Capsicum annuum (dried Poblano) Spice/Chili

Ancho Chily Spice/Chili

At a Glance

  • Category Spice/Chili

The Forktionary Angle

"Unveiling the foundational flavor of authentic Mexican cuisine, beyond just heat."

Definition

A dried poblano pepper, dark reddish-brown, wrinkled, and mild, offering a sweet, smoky, and fruity flavor profile with low heat.

Common Culinary Use Moles, sauces, rubs, stews
Origin Mexico
Scoville Heat Units (SHU) 1,000-1,500

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Ancho Chily are:

Sweet Smoky Fruity (raisin/prune) Earthy Mild Heat (1 000-1 500 SHU)

Chef’s Secret

Toast ancho chilies lightly in a dry pan until fragrant before rehydrating. This intensifies their smoky, fruity notes and brings out their full flavor profile.

Best Substitutes

Pasilla chili

slightly spicier
Ratio 1:1

Guajillo chili

less fruity
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Look for pliable, intact chilies with a deep color. Avoid brittle or dusty ones.

Culinary Pairings

Beef pork chocolate tomatoes corn beans cumin oregano

Recipes Using Ancho Chily

Alton Brown's Chili Powder image
Time To Make North American American Cuisine

Alton Brown's Chili Powder

Elevate your chili and Mexican cooking with this incredible chili powder blend! Inspired by Alton Brown's genius, this recipe delivers authentic chili flavor in just 13 minutes. Easily customizable – mix and match dried chiles to your liking while maintaining the approximate ratios. Get ready to experience chili like never before!

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Ancho And Chipotle Mole image 116
Preparation Time To Make Kid Friendly To Go

Ancho And Chipotle Mole

Indulge in the rich, smoky depths of this Ancho and Chipotle Mole, a Food & Wine staff favorite! Perfect for steak, pork, chicken, turkey, shrimp, or beans – simply simmer your protein in the sauce for a decadent mole stew. This make-ahead marvel can be refrigerated for up to 3 weeks, making it ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions. Get ready for a flavor journey that's as satisfying as it is simple!

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Ancho Chile Pork Chops image 122
Equipment Small Appliance Pork 60 Minutes Or Less

Ancho Chile Pork Chops

Ignite your taste buds with these fiery Ancho Chile Pork Chops! Marinated in a smoky, spicy ancho chili sauce, these juicy pork chops are perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue. This recipe, adapted from Cooking Light (March 2003), delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. Easily adjust the spice level to your preference – add an extra chili for extra heat! Prep time excludes the 8-hour marinating time, allowing for maximum flavor infusion.

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Authentic Mexican Pozole image 137
4 Hours Or Less 4 Hours Or Less Cuisine Time To Make

Authentic Mexican Pozole

Craving a heartwarming and flavorful Mexican feast? This Authentic Mexican Pozole recipe, passed down from a friend in Mexico, is a crowd-pleaser guaranteed to have everyone asking for seconds (and thirds!). Unlike traditional menudo, this pozole is free of tripe and pig's feet, making it enjoyable for all palates. This rich and delicious soup is bursting with authentic Mexican flavors and is incredibly easy to make. Prepare to be amazed by its depth of flavor and the vibrant colors! Don't forget to customize your bowl with fresh garnishes and a squeeze of lime for the perfect finishing touch!

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Authentic Sopa De Albondigas Meatball Soup image 147
4 Hours Or Less Low Carb Low In Something Mexican

Authentic Sopa De Albondigas Meatball Soup

This heartwarming Sopa De Albondigas recipe has been a family favorite for generations! My mother-in-law's secret? It's surprisingly simple to make, despite its rich, complex flavor. Get ready for tender meatballs in a vibrant broth brimming with vegetables. This recipe is perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion – it's guaranteed to become a new family classic! Dive into a bowl of pure comfort and taste the love.

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