Ancho Chili Peppers
Large, juicy, dark purple New Mexican pods. Ancho chili peppers are the most commonly used pepper in Mexico and are the backbone of dishes such as the traditional red chili and tamales. Chop into 1/4"" chunks and add to chili, mole sauce, stews, beans and rice, or cover in water for a few hours to rehydrate, slice open, stuff and cook. To make a flavorful ancho chili oil: Chop 3 peppers into 1"" chunks and simmer in 3 cups good corn oil, 20 minutes. Let cool, strain (use pepper pieces in another recipe) and store in an airtight container.
3,000 heat units