Tips for cooking with sweet, spicy, and smoky dried chiles.
If they’re stiff or crumble easily, then they’re likely old.
If you have kitchen gloves, this is a great time to use them.
Credit: Photo Jennifer Davick / Styling Sissy Lamerton, Caroline Murphey / Food Styling Marian Cooper Cairns, Angela Sellers
And remember, do not touch your face, especially your eyes, when working with dried chiles.
Much like dried spices, dried chiles add more flavor to a dish when toasted or fried.
Types Of Dried Chiles
Dried chiles typically fall into one of two categories, red or dark.
Red dried chiles are bright in color, more acidic, but vary greatly in spice level.
These chiles pair best withchicken, pork, and fish.
When these red peppers are dried they become ancho chiles, with a wrinkly skin and dark burgundy color.
They are often used in salsas or soups and stews.
Arbol
These tiny red chiles pack an earthy and spicy punch.
Their name means “tree chiles” in Spanish, which refers to their woody stems.
These chiles, unlike other dried chiles, don’t usually get their seeds removed before cooking.
They’re great for making homemade hot sauce andsalsa.
Chipotle
Did you know that chipotle chiles are smoked and dried jalapenos?
They’re red because fresh jalapenos picked at the end of the ripening process are red.
These dried chiles are known for their smokiness and have a medium heat.
They have a touch of acidity, but are fairly mild.
They are very popular in Mexico, hitting the perfect balance of sweet and heat.
They also go well with other chiles, as they aren’t overpowering and are often paired with tomatoes.
They can even have a chocolate-like flavor, making them perfect for moles, but also braised beef dishes.
Pequin
Also known as a bird chiles, these tiny guys are very spicy.
You’ll also see them crushed and sprinkled on fresh fruit.
How Long Do Dried Chiles Last?
You’ll know the chiles are old when they’re brittle and have lost their aroma.
