Dried New Mexico Chile Whole (Sold In Bulk)

Dried New Mexico chilis are a popular variety of chili pepper with a medium heat level and a deep, earthy, slightly smoky flavor. These chilis are commonly used in Southwestern, Mexican, and Tex-Mex cuisines to add both flavor and heat to a variety of dishes. They are typically long and narrow, with a deep red color when dried, and are known for their rich, somewhat fruity flavor with hints of raisin or tomato.

Here are some ways to use dried New Mexico chilis:

1. Rehydrating and Blending into Sauces: One of the most common uses for dried New Mexico chilis is to rehydrate them by soaking them in warm water for about 15-20 minutes. After rehydrating, you can blend the chilis into a smooth paste or sauce, which can then be used for enchiladas, chili, tacos, or in red sauces for meats.

2. Chili Powder: You can grind dried New Mexico chilis into chili powder, which is great for seasoning meats, soups, stews, and sauces. It’s also a key ingredient in many homemade taco seasoning or fajita seasoning blends.

3. Mole and Adobo Sauces: Dried New Mexico chilis are a crucial component in many mole recipes (especially red mole) and adobo sauces. They provide the rich, smoky flavor that’s essential to these sauces.

4. Salsas: When ground into a powder or rehydrated, New Mexico chilis can be added to salsas for a smoky depth of flavor. Combine them with tomatoes, onions, and garlic for a delicious red salsa or a more complex roasted salsa.

5. Soups and Stews: Add whole or ground dried New Mexico chilis to soups and stews for a mild heat and deep flavor. They work particularly well in pozole, chili, and bean soups.

6. Seasoning Meat: You can toast the dried chilis lightly in a dry skillet before grinding them into a powder and using them as a rub for meats like pork, beef, or chicken. It gives a smoky, rich flavor to grilled or roasted meats.

7. Infused Oil or Vinegar: Infuse olive oil or vinegar with dried New Mexico chilis to create flavorful oils or vinegars for use in salad dressings or as finishing oils for dishes like roasted vegetables or pasta.

8. Garnishing: Crumbled dried New Mexico chili can be sprinkled over dishes like tacos, quesadillas, or roasted veggies for added texture and flavor.

Dried New Mexico chilis are versatile and offer a more moderate heat than some other chili varieties, making them suitable for a wide range of dishes. If you're new to cooking with them, you can start with a small amount and adjust to your heat preference.