The Forktionary Angle
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Definition
A dried, mild-to-medium heat chili pepper with dark, wrinkled skin, offering a rich, smoky, and fruity flavor with hints of cocoa.
Sensory Profile
Technical Metrics
Nutrition Facts
Per 1 pepper (6g)Chef’s Secret
Toast Pasilla chilis briefly in a dry pan until fragrant before rehydrating. This intensifies their smoky, complex flavors and brings out their subtle sweetness.
Substitutions
Ancho Chili
1:1Similar in heat and rich, fruity notes, but Ancho is slightly sweeter and less earthy.
Mulato Chili
1:1Similar dark color and flavor depth, often considered part of the 'holy trinity' with Ancho and Pasilla.
Chipotle Morita
Offers smokiness, but with more pronounced heat and less fruity notes.
Dried Guajillo
1:1Less earthy and smoky, but provides mild heat and a brighter, fruitier profile.
Buying Guide
Look for pliable, unbroken chilis with a deep, even color. Avoid brittle or discolored chilis, which indicate age. Store in an airtight container.