The pasilla chile, also called the Chile negro, is about
6 to 8 inches long and is practically black in color. On a
heat scale of 1 to 10 the pasilla is ranked a respectable
4. Pasillas are richly flavored, and taste of berries and
licorice.
Pasillas chiles are usually found dried whole or ground into
a fine powder. Pasilla chile powder is most often used with
ancho and mulato powder to create mole, a dark Mexican sauce.
It is also used in other sauces, marinades and seafood dishes.
Store powder in an airtight container, or, if you're ambitious,
you can make fresh chile powder. Simply deseed the dried chile,
dry-fry them and then grind them to the desired fineness.
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