Skip to main content
Epicurious
Bon Appétit

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.

TagsSalsaCondimentDipSauceAncho ChileChileVegetablePoblano ChileNut FreeGluten FreeVegetarianEasyMeal PrepMake AheadQuickBroilFood ProcessorBlenderBon Appétit
Read More
The Most-Saved Recipes in the Epicurious App This Week
Like Greek lemon potatoes and gochujang chicken stir-fry.
Golden Mushroom Soup With Orzo & a Pat of Butter
This is the type of soup that, at first glance, might seem a little…unexciting. But you’re underestimating the power of mushrooms, which do the heavy lifting.
The Only Frittata Recipe You’ll Ever Need
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
Caramelized Onion Pasta
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Gingery Pork and Sugar Snap Pea Stir-Fry
Thinly sliced and cooked hot and fast, pork tenderloin is the juicy, cook-quicking weeknight champion of this vegetable-heavy stir-fry.
How to Thaw Fish Fast
The most efficient method takes less than an hour, but you might not even need it.
The Most-Saved Recipes in the Epicurious App in April
Like fattoush salad and strawberry shortcake roll.
13 Types of Nuts and How to Cook With Them
Filberts, goobers, scaly bark nuts: Explore the world beyond almonds in this guide.