Ancho Chili Cream Recipes

ANCHO CHILI SAUCE - RECIPE

Steps:

• Dry roast the ancho peppers on a hot pan about 1-2 minutes per side. The peppers will puff slightly and the skins will begin to turn red.
• Set them into a large pot of boiling water and remove from heat. Let them soak covered in water for 30 minutes.
• Remove the stems and coarsely chop the anchos. Reserve the soaking liquid.
• Set the chopped anchos into a food processor.
• Heat the oil in a pan to medium heat and add the onion. Cook about 5 minutes to soften.
• Add the garlic and tomato and cook another minute or so, until you can smell the garlic. Add them to the food processor.
• Add the vinegar, cumin, oregano and a bit of salt and pepper along with about 1 cup of the soaking liquid. Process until it smooths out.
• The sauce will be thick at this point. You can add more soaking liquid to achieve your desired consistency.
• Give it a taste. You can adjust with salt and pepper and this point, and if you feel it needs a touch of sweetness, add the honey and process a bit more.
• Press the sauce through a coarse strainer into a bowl. I use a wooden spoon to push it through.
• Store in the fridge in an airtight container.
• As a tasty variation, add up to 15 ounces (1 can) of tomato sauce while cooking, or after you strain the ancho chili sauce to simmer. It makes for an outstanding final sauce. Or, swirl in anywhere from 1 tablespoon to a cup of the ancho chili sauce to tomato sauce to liven up any dish.

ANCHO CREAM SAUCE

Steps:

• Fill a medium sized pot halfway with water, then bring the water to a boil over high heat.
• Move the pot off the heat, then add the ancho peppers. Allow the ancho peppers to soak in the water for half an hour to rehydrate them, then remove them from the water.
• Put 1/3 cup of the water to the side.
• Cut the stems off the anchos, then slice the chilies lengthwise and remove the seeds.
• In a blender (or using a food processor and a high-sided pot), combine the anchos, the reserved ancho water, and garlic, then process until smooth.
• Transfer the ancho mix into a pan and add the whipping cream. Stir to combine and bring the sauce to a quick boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat and allow the sauce to simmer for 3 to 5 minutes (until slightly thickened).
• Remove the sauce from the heat and add the lime juice and salt to the sauce. Stir to combine and use immediately.

ANCHO CHILI CREAM

Steps:

• Rinse the chili peppers under cold running water, making sure all the seeds are removed.
• Place the peppers, garlic, onions, cumin and honey in a large stockpot. Add the water and cook over medium-high heat for 30 minutes.
• Remove the pot from the heat and add the diced tomato. Let the mixture cool thoroughly.
• When thoroughly cooled, place in a food processor or blender and puree until smooth.
• Strain the liquid through a fine mesh strainer to remove any remaining pulp or seeds. Place the strained liquid in a saucepan, add the heavy cream and bring to a rolling boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer 10 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and let the mixture cool thoroughly. Allowing it to thicken will make assembling the enchilada easier.

CHICKEN ENCHILADAS WITH ANCHO CHILE CREAM SAUCE

Steps:

• Ancho Chile Cream Sauce:.
• Bring 2 cups water to boil in small sauce pan. Remove pan from heat, add Ancho chiles, soak 30 minutes. Reserve 6 Tbsp of liquid, drain rest of liquid.
• Cut stems off of chiles, cut open and scrape out seeds. Combine Ancho chiles, reserve liquid and garlic in blender and puree.
• Combine cream and chile puree in heavy skillet.
• Bring to a boil, reduce heat, simmer for 3 minutes. Whisk in lime juice, season with salt. Strain sauce (not really necessary).
• Enchilada Filling:.
• Mix 1 3/4 cup sour cream, canned chiles, green onion, cilantro and cumin in large bowl.
• Mix in shredded chicken, mushrooms, 1 cup of cheese, tomatoes, 3 Tbsp of Ancho Chile Cream Sauce, salt and pepper to taste.
• Assembly:.
• Bring remaining Ancho Chile Cream Sauce to a simmer, cook tortillas in sauce for 15 seconds, coating both sides. Place tortilla in baking dish, spoon 1/2 cup of filling down center of tortilla. Roll tortilla closed, arrange seam side down.
• Repeat. May need another small glass dish for all enchiladas.
• Cover with foil and bake 30 - 45 minutes. Uncover and sprinkle with 1 cup of cheese. Bake uncovered until cheese melts, approximately 5 minutes.
• Serve with sour cream, guacamole and pico de gallo.