Fresh Ancho Chili Food

ANCHO CHILI CREAM

Steps:

• Rinse the chili peppers under cold running water, making sure all the seeds are removed.
• Place the peppers, garlic, onions, cumin and honey in a large stockpot. Add the water and cook over medium-high heat for 30 minutes.
• Remove the pot from the heat and add the diced tomato. Let the mixture cool thoroughly.
• When thoroughly cooled, place in a food processor or blender and puree until smooth.
• Strain the liquid through a fine mesh strainer to remove any remaining pulp or seeds. Place the strained liquid in a saucepan, add the heavy cream and bring to a rolling boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer 10 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and let the mixture cool thoroughly. Allowing it to thicken will make assembling the enchilada easier.

ANCHO CHILE PORK CHOPS

Steps:

• Remove stems and seeds from chilies.
• Tear chilies into pieces.
• Spray a skillet with Pam and heat over medium heat.
• Add chili pieces and cook for 15 seconds, stirring so chilies do not burn.
• Add garlic and cook 2 minutes.
• Add broth- allspice to chili/garlic mixture in skillet.
• Stir in 1 tablespoon vinegar.
• Bring to a boil and reduce heat to low.
• Let mixture simmer for 5 minutes.
• Remove from heat.
• Place (cooled) mixture in blender or food processor and process until smooth using on/off turns.
• Heat skillet over medium-high heat and add chili/spice mixture and cook 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
• Remove from heat.
• Stir in sugar, salt, remaining 1 tablespoon vinegar and lemon juice.
• Put pork chops in marinating dish or zip-lock bag.
• Pour chili sauce over chops.
• Refrigerate marinated chops for up to 8 hours.
• Spray broiler rack with Pam or prepare grill (spray grill with Pam for easier clean up) for grilling chops.
• Remove pork chops from dish and prepare grill or preheat broiler.
• Spray broiler rack or grill with Pam.
• If grilling, grill for 5-10 minutes each side, basting with marinade.
• Time depends on degree of doneness desired and thickness of chops.
• If broiling, brush chops well with marinade.
• Broiler rack should be 6-inches below heat.
• Broil for 5-10 minutes per side (brush with marinade when turning chops) depending on degree of doneness and thickness of chops.

ANCHO CHILI SAUCE

Steps:

• Combine 2 cups hot water and ancho chilies in medium bowl. Let stand until chilies soften, about 30 minutes. Drain, reserving soaking liquid.
• 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.
• 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.
• *Available at Latin American markets and some supermarkets. **Fresh green chilies, often called pasillas; available at Latin American markets and some supermarkets.

CHILES ANCHO RELLENOS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Slit an opening in each ancho from stem to tip, being careful not to tear the skin; carefully remove seeds and ribs, and discard.
• Combine the water, vinegar, piloncillo, cinnamon, and salt in a medium saucepan; bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low; simmer 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Add anchos; cover, and let stand 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain.
• Spoon filling into each chile; arrange in a baking dish. Bake chiles until heated through, about 15 minutes. Bring crema and onion to a boil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Reduce heat; simmer 8 minutes. Pass through a fine sieve into a bowl; stir in cilantro. Pour sauce over anchos, and serve.