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Ancho Chili Sauce

3.8

(2)

This sauce uses roasted fresh poblano chilies and their dried form, ancho chilies.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes about 1 1/2 cups

Ingredients

2 cups very hot water
3 dried ancho chilies,* stemmed, seeded, torn into pieces
3 large fresh poblano chilies** (about 10 ounces)
1/2 cup whipping cream
1 tablespoon honey
2 teaspoons red wine vinegar

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Combine 2 cups hot water and ancho chilies in medium bowl. Let stand until chilies soften, about 30 minutes. Drain, reserving soaking liquid.

    Step 2

    Meanwhile, char poblano chilies directly over gas flame or in broiler until blackened on all sides. Enclose in paper bag; let stand 10 minutes. Peel, seed, and coarsely chop chilies.

    Step 3

    Place drained ancho chilies, 1/2 cup reserved soaking liquid, chopped poblano chilies, cream, honey, and vinegar in blender. Puree until smooth, adding more soaking liquid by tablespoonfuls if sauce is too thick. Season to taste with salt and pepper. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill. Rewarm before serving.) Place sauce in small bowl.

    Step 4

    *Available at Latin American markets and some supermarkets. **Fresh green chilies, often called pasillas; available at Latin American markets and some supermarkets.

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