Ancho Chili Powder is a well-known spice that adds a deep, smoky flavor and mild heat to traditional Mexican dishes. However, finding it in your local area or having it readily available in your pantry can be a challenge. Luckily, there are fantastic alternatives that can still give your dish the desired flavor profile. Let’s explore the top 6 best substitutes for Ancho Chili Powder.
What is Ancho Chili Powder?
Ancho Chili Powder is made by drying and crushing ancho chilies. It has a fruity flavor with a light heat and is commonly used in mole sauce and spice rubs. Unlike chili powder, which is a blend of various ground spices, Ancho Chili Powder is made solely from dried and ground ancho chilies, the sweetest dried chili variety. It has a milder flavor compared to cayenne pepper powder, which is more earthy and smoky.
Guajillo Chile Powder
The Guajillo Chile pepper is a great substitute for Ancho Chili Powder, as it is the second most popular chili in Mexico after the ancho. The whole Guajillo pepper, including the seeds and stem, is ground to create Guajillo Chile powder. This 100% pure powder adds a genuine chili flavor to your dishes.
Guajillo Chile powder is slightly spicier than ancho chiles, offering a delightful acidic taste with hints of berry and pine. It is commonly used in Mexican and Southwestern cooking, but its versatility allows it to enhance the flavors of any dish that calls for chilies, from stews and braises to mole sauces.
Pasilla Chili Powder
Pasilla chili powder is another excellent alternative with a moderate heat level and fruity undertones. It is made solely from dried and crushed pasilla chilies, which have a dark and velvety flavor. The color of pasilla chili powder can range from dark aubergine to black.
Similar to Ancho Chili Powder, pasilla pepper powder is commonly used to flavor mole sauces. Its mild heat and deep flavor make it a perfect substitute. It can also be used in breads, vegetables, and compound butters to add an extra layer of flavor.
Chipotle Powder
Made from dried and crushed chipotle chilies, Chipotle Powder offers a mild heat with fruity undertones. It is slightly spicier than Ancho Chili Powder, making it a great substitute. Chipotle chili powder is commonly found in big-box supermarkets, often labeled as chili powder.
If you prefer a hotter option, you can use chipotle chili powder instead of ancho chili powder. It works wonderfully in meat and seafood dishes, such as tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and quesadillas.
Mulato Pepper Powder
Mulato Pepper Powder has a mild to moderate flavor similar to ancho chile peppers. It is often used in soups, stews, moles, and even desserts. With undertones of licorice and chocolate, mulato pepper powder adds a tingling heat to sweeter meals.
If you ever want to make ice cream or baked goods with a hint of chili flavor, substituting ancho chili powder with mulato pepper powder is a fantastic option.
Paprika
Paprika is made from dried and crushed red peppers, bell peppers, and chile peppers. It is a wonderful substitute for powdered ancho chili, even though it has a slightly sweeter flavor profile. Regardless, paprika complements any cuisine that calls for ancho chili powder.
For a smokier flavor, you can opt for sweet paprika, while adding cayenne pepper will give you more heat if desired.
New Mexico Chile Powder
New Mexico Chile Powder is made from dried chilies commonly found in New Mexico. It has a slightly different taste compared to ancho peppers but pairs perfectly with them. The chilies used to make this powder are around six inches long and two inches wide, with a fragrance of dried herbs and fruits.
If you can’t find ancho chili powder, New Mexico chili powder is a suitable replacement that will provide the right heat level and flavor.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Ancho Chili Powder is a beloved ingredient in Mexican cuisine, there are several substitutes that can be used to achieve similar flavors and spice levels. Whether you choose Guajillo Chile Powder, Pasilla Chili Powder, Chipotle Powder, Mulato Pepper Powder, Paprika, or New Mexico Chile Powder, experimenting with different substitutes can lead to new and exciting culinary creations while still capturing the essence of ancho chili powder in your dishes. So, explore these alternatives and let your taste buds be the judge!
