The ancho chili pepper, with its medium to hot heat level, boasts a unique flavor profile that’s both fruity and smoky. This distinctive taste is imparted to dishes when this versatile pepper is added.
Its versatility allows it to pair well with a variety of ingredients, including vegetables, meat, and fish. If you’re looking for some inspiration, we’ve compiled 28 simple yet tantalizing ancho paste recipes that are sure to delight.
Shrimp Pasta With Creamy Ancho Chili & Tamarind Sauce
A show-stopping family dinner can be as effortless as a quick-cooking pasta dish. The harmonious blend of penne pasta, Mexican crema, and Parmesan cheese serves as the perfect contrast to the rich, smoky flavors of ancho chili and tamarind sauce, creating a truly unforgettable culinary experience.
Smoky Ancho Pinto Bean Soup With Orecchiette Pasta
Savoring the warmth of winter’s chill, this hearty recipe is the perfect remedy for cold days. A symphony of flavors comes together in a dish that’s equal parts filling and delectable. Pinto beans, crushed tomatoes, frozen corn, and orecchiette pasta provide a rich canvas for the star of the show: the ancho chile’s smoky, spicy essence. Its bold notes weave a tapestry of taste that will leave you cozy and content.
Chicken Mole With Coriander Rice
In just 30 minutes, you can prepare this dish for a flavor-packed meal. If you don’t have whole chilies on hand, simply swap them out with grilled red peppers and add ancho paste to replicate the smoky heat. The result is a deliciously complex chicken mole that’s perfectly paired with a side of coriander-infused rice.
Roast Salmon With Ancho Chili-Ginger Sauce
For those who crave bold flavors, this recipe offers a delightful balance of strong notes that complement each other beautifully. The sauce, crafted from a harmonious blend of vinegar, ginger, ancho chili, honey, and vegetable oil, is poured over perfectly cooked salmon before being served with a side of fluffy couscous and roasted vegetables. This delectable combination will surely satisfy your taste buds.
Grilled Fish With Ancho-Tamarind Sauce
When preparing this grilled fish recipe, consider using halibut, sea bass or cobia as your protein of choice. Each option yields a delectable final product when marinated in the tangy tamarind and ancho sauce, which is perfect for pairing with the flavorsome eggplant dish that can be prepared simultaneously. For inspiration on more easy yet delicious Tamarind sauce ideas, explore our other articles.
Lemon Sole With Chipotle & Ancho Chili Recado
Indulge in the zesty flavors of lemon sole, perfectly paired with a mouthwatering recado made from chipotle and ancho chilies. If substituting whole chilies proves challenging, fear not – ancho paste serves as a reliable alternative. For a refreshing complement to this dish, combine chunky avocado and cherry tomatoes for a vibrant salad that will elevate the overall culinary experience.
Fish Kofta In Ancho Chili & Tomato Sauce
The main attraction in this recipe is the delectable rainbow trout, which shines brightly alongside its spicy tamarind rasam accompaniment. However, feel free to substitute the fish with whatever aquatic delight you have on hand. For a plant-based twist, simply swap out the fish for some cooked vegetables and enjoy a vegan version of this flavorful dish.
Creamy Lentils Spiced With Ancho
Indulge in this scrumptious vegan recipe that’s not only free from animal products but also gluten-free, thanks to its star ingredient – creamy lentils infused with the rich flavors of ancho chili peppers. The best part? It takes a mere 10 minutes to prepare and cooks in just 30 minutes, making it a quick and satisfying meal option. To take it up a notch, top it off with a dollop of coconut milk or blended cashews for added creaminess and texture.
Oil-free Vegan Chile Bean Chili
Indulge in a rich and satisfying vegan chili that’s bursting with flavor. If you’re struggling to track down whole ancho peppers, don’t worry – simply substitute them with ancho paste for a similar depth of taste. Despite requiring 20 minutes of preparation and 40 minutes of cooking time, the final product is well worth the wait. Once you’ve taken your first spoonful, you’ll understand why this recipe is a standout.
Smoky Lentils With Harissa Roast Cauliflower & Eggplant
This hearty dish is a delight for vegetarians, yet its rich flavors will also win over meat-eaters. With a preparation time of just 25 minutes and a cooking time of 45 minutes, it’s an accessible option for any meal. The smoky lentils derive their deep flavor from the ancho chili, adding a subtle depth to this comforting dish.
Potato Vegan Taco Salad
Elevate your potato salad game with a creative twist that’s equal parts flavorful and nutritious. This taco-inspired spin on a classic dish boasts an impressive vitamin profile, making it a guilt-free indulgence. With only 20 minutes of preparation time and the same amount for cooking, you’ll be rewarded with a deliciously satisfying 40-minute experience.
Pinto Posole
Indulge in this rich vegan posole, a robust Mexican soup that’s elevated by the addition of ancho paste. This comforting dish is a perfect remedy for chilly fall days or dark winter evenings when you crave something warm and satisfying. With a preparation time of around 20 minutes and cooking time of half an hour, it’s an effortless way to nourish your body and soul.
Cashew Crema & Ancho Chili Elotes
Savory elotes make a fantastic accompaniment to your next barbecue gathering. The combination of grilled corn smothered in creamy cashew crema and topped with crumbly cotija cheese and slightly sweet ancho chili powder is undeniably appealing. What’s more, this delectable side dish can be prepared in just 30 minutes, making it the perfect choice for a quick and easy addition to your outdoor celebration.
Watermelon–Ancho Chile Salsa
In just eight ingredients, you can whip up a flavorful salsa that’s perfect as both a dip and a side dish for your barbecue. This unique combination of beefsteak tomatoes, red onion, jalapeno, ancho chilies, and watermelon yields a rich yet refreshing accompaniment to chips, fish, or meat – a true culinary delight.
Tamales With Ancho Chile Sauce
Crafted with a blend of low-carb masa and tender, slow-cooked pork that’s been simmering for eight hours, these tamales boast a rich, authentic flavor profile. The star of the show is undoubtedly the ancho chile sauce, which adds a depth of smokiness and spicy zest to the dish, resulting in a truly mouthwatering culinary experience.
Roast Chicken With Ancho Chile
For a truly exceptional dining experience, consider marinating the chicken in the ancho chile rub for at least eight hours or overnight. This will allow the bold flavors to penetrate deep into the meat, resulting in a tender and juicy dish that’s sure to please even the most discerning palates. To elevate this dish further, serve it with a tangy slaw made from crisp cabbage and carrots, as well as slices of fresh orange for a burst of citrus flavor.
And don’t forget to round out the meal with some crunchy potato chips on the side – the perfect textural contrast to balance out the rich flavors.
Cranberry-Ancho Chile Pork
Indulge in the rich flavors of this cranberry ancho chile pork dish without putting in too much effort! Simply coat the pork tenderloin with a mixture of cumin, ground ancho chile, salt, and pepper, then let it simmer in a slow cooker on low for 10 hours alongside the tart and tangy cranberries. As the flavors meld together, you’ll be rewarded with a mouthwatering dish that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Ancho Chile Barbecue Sauce
Create a unique ancho chile barbecue sauce to elevate your grilled meats and veggies in just over an hour using only 12 simple ingredients. If you’re having trouble sourcing dried anchos, consider substituting with ancho paste for a similar flavor profile.
Ancho Chile Soup
To elevate the experience, utilize your pre-made or store-bought ancho paste in this mouthwatering soup. For added texture and flavor, accompany it with homemade fried tortilla chips and a sprinkle of crispy fried pasilla chilies for an extra depth of spice. This recipe yields six to eight servings, perfect for sharing or enjoying throughout the week.
Ancho Chile Braised Pork Ribs
Indulge in tender, fall-apart pork ribs by searing them first and then letting the magic happen in a crock pot for six hours. The secret ingredient? A rich ancho chile sauce that adds depth and complexity to this comforting dish. Pair it with some crispy baked zucchini fries and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a well-rounded, satisfying meal.
Fish Tacos With Ancho Dressing
Indulge in the flavorful fusion of these delectable fish tacos, which can be prepared using either cod or mahi mahi as the protein base. The fish is carefully seasoned with a medley of spices before being grilled to perfection on a gas grill. Meanwhile, the ancho dressing takes center stage, blending the richness of mayonnaise with the depth of liquid smoke, the tanginess of tomato paste, the brightness of lime juice, and the subtle heat of ancho paste.
Shrimp With Ancho Butter Sauce
Indulge in the tactile pleasure of cooking with your hands as you prepare this mouthwatering dish, perfect for sopping up every last drop of rich sauce with crudités or crusty bread. The velvety condiment, crafted from ancho paste, butter, and cream, is a match made in culinary heaven.
Vegan Mexican Squash Soup
Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of winter with this vegan-friendly soup recipe, featuring kabocha squash, apple, and onion as its star ingredients. A rich and creamy coconut milk base adds depth and richness to the dish. The best part? This satisfying soup can be prepared in just 15 minutes and cooked to perfection in a mere 40 minutes. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs for an added pop of color and freshness.
Tostaditos With Black Beans & Soyrizo
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Mexico with this mouthwatering black bean dish! The combination of tender tortillas, crisp baby lettuce, tangy tomatillo salsa, and savory soyrizo infused with ancho paste is a match made in heaven. This vegan recipe is not only a feast for the taste buds but also packed with nutritious goodness, making it a perfect choice for any meal.
Barbecue Sandwiches
Indulge in the rich flavors of vegan barbecue sandwiches, crafted with homemade ancho paste, barbecue sauce, and wheat gluten from scratch. This recipe showcases a medley of complex flavors, including the deep notes of liquid smoke and molasses, elevating the dish to new heights. Discover the simplicity behind this satisfying creation and treat your taste buds to a true culinary experience.
Ancho-Orange Chicken
Indulge in the harmonious balance of flavors and textures as you savor glazed chicken breasts smothered in a rich orange and ancho paste. This delectable dish is elevated by its accompaniments: creamy Jasmine rice, infused with sweet golden raisins; roasted carrots and kale, offering a delightful contrast to the bold, smoky undertones of the ancho.
As the sweetness of the orange mingles with the savory notes of the chicken, you’ll be treated to a culinary experience that’s both familiar and excitingly new.
Barbara is an enthusiastic food-exploring person that goes through different culinary experiences. She got inspired by creating a pizza blog post after she tasted one of the best-selling pizzas in Toledo.