Wondering what ancho chili powder is and how to use it? I’ve found answers to all your questions below, plus 13 ancho chili powder recipes!
What is Ancho Chili Powder?
Ancho chili powder is made from dried ancho peppers. Ancho peppers are actually dried and ripe poblano peppers. Poblano peppers are usually green because they are harvested before they are ripe. If left to grow and ripen, they turn red, and red poblanos are dried to make ancho peppers.
Is ancho chili powder hot?
Ancho peppers are not super spicy. For example, they are much milder than jalapeños. They are most often described as “smoky” and “sweet,” though they still pack some heat. They are very popular in Mexican cuisine – in fact, some say ancho chiles are the most popular chili in Mexico.
How to Make Ancho Chili Powder
You can usually find ancho chili powder in the spice aisle of most stores, but it’s also super easy to make yourself using dried ancho chiles. A 2-ounce package of ancho chilies makes about 1/4 cup of powder.
- Remove the seeds. Cut the dried chilies open and scrape out any seeds.
- grind. Cut peppers into 1-2 inch pieces and process in a grinder or small food processor until finely ground.
What is anchovy powder good for?
Ancho chili powder is used in many Mexican dishes and in various spice blends. It adds a warm, smoky flavor to dishes and can be used as a spice in meats, soups and chilis, salsas and sauces, and more.
substitute
It tastes like ancho chili without the pepper, but if you want a similar flavor but don’t have ancho chili powder on hand, there are a few options.
- For a smoky flavor: Try pasilla and guajillo peppers. Both have a smoky sweetness and are traditionally used in Mexican dishes.
- For a similar spice level: Jalapeños are similar in spiciness to chili peppers. Chipotle is probably the closest option, as it also has some smokiness.
store correctly
Anchovy meal, whether homemade or store-bought, should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Airtight glass jars are usually the best choice.
Ancho chili powder is best used within 6 months when the flavor is at its strongest, but it’s okay to use beyond 6 months.
common problem
Paprika is made from different chili powders, while ancho chili powder is made only from ancho chilies. As a result, paprika tends to be a bit spicy and lacks the smoky sweetness of anchovy powder.
No. While the smokiness of the two is similar, they are not the same. Ancho chili powder is made from ancho chilies, and jalapeños are made from dried chilies and smoked jalapenos.
Yes, anchovies are naturally smoky and sweet, so the powder is smoky too.
13 Easy Ancho Chili Recipes
Cedar Board Salmon
This salmon on a cedar board takes just 25 minutes to prepare. Topped with strawberry salsa, it has the perfect spice, smokiness and fruitiness.
Mexican Chopped Salad with Poblano Dressing
This Mexican Chopped Salad with Creamy Poblano Dressing and Roasted Vegetables makes for a healthy and delicious meal. Perfect for summer!
Epic Sweet and Smoky Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe
With ingredients like ancho paprika, this sweet and smoky barbecue sauce strikes just the right balance of smoky, tangy, and spicy. Great for chicken, ribs, pizza and more.
The Best Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Salad
These spicy shrimp tacos are made with smoky spices with ancho chili powder and ready in just 30 minutes. Topped with a cilantro lime slaw, it’s refreshing with every bite.
Crispy Air Fryer Avocado Chips with Dip
These Crispy Air Fryer Avocado Chips are seasoned with a little spice for extra flavor. Crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, they’re the perfect appetizer.
Instant Pot BBQ Shredded Chicken Recipe
Seasoned with ancho paprika and a few other seasonings, this Instant Pot BBQ Chicken is tender and delicious with just a touch of smokiness. Ready in 30 minutes!
Epic Maple Smoked Turkey Recipe
Ancho paprika might seem like a surprising ingredient in a maple smoked turkey, but it adds just the right amount of smoky heat. Makes a perfect turkey every time!
Easy Turkey Taco Lettuce Wraps with Cilantro Lime Cream
Seasoned ground turkey and your favorite toppings make these Turkey Taco Lettuce Wraps an easy, healthy and delicious weeknight meal the whole family will love.
Epic Baja Fish Tacos with Avocado Cream
You can’t go wrong with these Baja Fish Tacos, topped with cilantro lime slaw, avocado grease, and gallo dressing. Healthy, easy, and so good!
10 Minute Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe
These air fryer shrimp get just the right amount of heat, with a spice blend made with ancho paprika and smoked paprika. Ready in just 10 minutes!
Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Smoked Maple Spice Rub
Seasoned with a smoky maple dressing with ancho paprika, this whole roasted cauliflower is a delicious vegetarian meal or side dish for anyone. Serve with avocado poblano sauce.
Easy Salmon Tacos with Creamy Salad
Ready in just 30 minutes, these salmon tacos are tender, flaky and perfectly spiced. Topped with a creamy salad, pickled onions, and cotija cheese, it’s an easy weeknight meal.
Avocado Burgers
These avocado burgers are perfectly seasoned with ancho chili powder and other spices for a warm, smoky flavor. Serve with avocado puree and pineapple pepper dressing for an irresistible dinner in just 30 minutes.
