Produce Briefs...
Italian Black Summer Truffles
Black summer truffles are more subtle than the winter variety. Shave truffle over cooked potatoes, toss with herbs and a shallot vinaigrette. Thinly shave truffle over scrambled eggs.
White Corn
White corn is a sweet corn variety. Its ears are wrapped in tightly layered pale lime green to white husks. One ear of corn can contain up to 400 kernels growing in rows lengthwise.
Seasons/Availability
Dried chile peppers are typically available year round. Check for availability.
Description/Taste
This medium thick-fleshed chile pepper is a deep rich dark chocolate brown, one of the darkest-colored dried chiles. Measuring five to six inches long and one to one-and-one-half inches in diameter, it usually tapers to a point and has a smooth wrinkly skin. Mildly pungent, this chile offers a smokier flavor than the ancho. Also referred to as "little raisin" due to its color, its flavor offers grape and berry overtones with a hint of licorice. Scoville units: 2-4 (1000-2500)
Nutritional Value
Dried Negro chiles contain vitamin A, C, the B vitamins and significant amounts of iron, thiamine, niacin, magnesium and riboflavin. Chiles are cholesterol-free, saturated fat-free, low calorie, low sodium, and high in fiber.
Applications
The chile negro is an essential ingredient for making classic mole sauce and red enchilada sauce. Add to stews, soups, casseroles, relishes, dips, appetizers, salsa and savory sauces. This chile's flavor is especially compatible with seafood. To prepare, soak dried chiles in oil or water for 20 to 30 minutes. To roast, dry-fry in nonstick skillet a few minutes. Cover with hot water; let stand at least 10 minutes or until soft. Drain and use.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Outside of Northern Mexico and America, the name Pasilla negro refers to a dried chilaca chile (meaning little raisin). A dried negro chile is long and black, mild and earthy. It is one of the principle ingredients in the traditional Mexican spicy chocolate mole sauce, known as mole poblano, the "National dish of Mexico". It is important to note the difference between these two peppers because the pasilla in American culture would not be suitable for a rich Mexican mole sauce. Only a guajillo chile is considered an acceptable substitute for a dried chilaca chile.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Miguel's Cocina Carlsbad | Carlsbad CA | 760-759-1843 |
| Eclipse Chocolat | San Diego CA | 619-578-2984 |
| Jake's Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-755-2002 |
| Wine Vault & Bistro | San Diego CA | 619-295-3939 |
| Vista Valley | Vista CA | 760-758-2800 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Dried Negro Chile Peppers. One
is easiest, three is harder.| Food.com |
|
Duck (or Chicken) & Chile Mole Tostadas |
| All Recipes.com |
|
Authentic Mexican Hot Sauce |
| Guilty Carnivore |
|
Taqueria Table Sauce |
| Food and Wine |
|
Fried Egg with Mole served with Toasted Flour Tortilla |
