Ancho Chile Oil Recipes

KATY'S DATES WITH ANCHO CHILI OIL

Steps:

• To make the ancho chili oil, put the olive oil and the chili powder in a small pan over low heat and warm gently for 10 minutes; set aside for 1 hour to infuse, then strain through a sheet of paper towel. This can be done the day before.
• Position a rack at the top of the oven and preheat to 350°F.
• In a small bowl, mix the walnuts, sage, garlic, orange zest, and olive oil to form a crumbly paste. Using a teaspoon press the paste into the cavities of the dates. Wrap each date with a 3-inch-long strip of the ham. (The dates can be covered and refrigerated until an hour before guests arrive, when they should be brought to room temperature.)
• Place the dates on an ungreased baking sheet and roast for 5 minutes (8, if they're cold); arrange on a serving tray and drip with the ancho chili oil. Serve warm or at room temperature. Napkins are a must.

ANCHO CHILE OIL

Steps:

• Heat first 7 ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat until fragrant and just beginning to bubble. Remove from heat. Let steep for 1 hour.
• Purée mixture in a blender until smooth. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a small bowl; discard solids in sieve. Season oil to taste with salt. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 week ahead. Cover and chill.

ANCHO CHILE CHIPS

Steps:

• Heat oil to 375 degrees F. Fry potatoes, in batches and drain on paper towels. Immediately toss with ancho powder and salt.

ANCHO CHILE MAYONNAISE

Steps:

• In a small bowl, combine the chiles julienne and the vinegar and leave to soak for 1 hour. Meanwhile, in a small heavy skillet heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion and saute, stirring occasionally, for 6 to 7 minutes, or until translucent. Add the garlic and the cumin and cook for about 2 minutes more, until the garlic has released its aroma. Remove from the heat and cool to room temperature. In a large bowl, combine the vinegar and chile mixture, the salt, pepper, and egg yolks. With a balloon whisk, whisk together until completely smooth, then continue whisking as you drizzle in the olive oil, very slowly at first, whisking until all the oil is absorbed and the mayonnaise is emulsified. Transfer to a bowl and stir in the onion-garlic mixture. Cover and refrigerate if not using right away, for up to 1 week.

ANCHO CHILE FETTUCCINI WITH CILANTRO-TOMATILLO CREAM SAUCE

Steps:

• Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium high heat. Roast ancho chiles and 4 cloves unpeeled garlic. Press the chiles flat against the pan with a spatula until they begin to pop and smoke, then flip. When done, rehydrate chiles in a bowl of warm water for 30 minutes. Turn garlic until all sides are browned, about 15 minutes. Allow to cool, then peel.
• In a blender or food processor, combine chiles, 2 cloves roasted garlic, and eggs. Blend until smooth. Place the flour in a mound on a clean surface. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon salt with a fork, then make a well in the center. Pour in egg mixture. Working from the center outward, gradually incorporate the flour with a fork until dough is formed. Knead dough for 5 minutes, adding more flour if necessary. Prepare fettuccini according to your pasta machine's instructions. Lay the fettuccine flat on lightly floured surface for 15 minutes.
• In a blender or food processor, combine 2 remaining cloves roasted garlic, cilantro, tomatillos, jalapeno, cream cheese, sour cream, chicken stock, 1 tablespoon olive oil, cumin, salt and pepper. Blend until smooth. Pour into a saucepan over low heat, and cook until heated through.
• Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until pasta rises to the surface. Drain, and divide into serving portions; pour sauce over top.

ANCHO CHILE MARINADE

Steps:

• Soak dry chiles in water overnight or until soft. Remove seeds. Add all ingredients except meat in food processor. Puree until smooth.
• Spread mixture over meat and refrigerate at least one hour, up to 24 hours.
• Heat grill to about 400 degrees, or if cooking inside heat small amount of oil in skillet or grill pan over high heat. Salt meat to taste. Grill meat about 4 minutes per side, depending upon thickness, until done.

ANCHO CHILE TOMATO SAUCE

Steps:

• Core tomatoes and cut in half - squeeze out and discard seeds. Cut tomatoes in chunks. One-third at a time, place tomato chunks in food processor bowl or blender container. Process with several on/off turns; tomatoes should remain chunky. Transfer to medium bowl. You should have about 3 1/4 cups tomatoes. Set aside.
• In a medium saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion; cook and stir until tender but not brown (3 minutes). Stir in garlic and chile powder; cook and stir for 1 minute. Stir in tomatoes. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer gently; uncovered, about 15 minutes or until sauce is thickened. Stir in basil and salt; heat through. Makes 3 cups.
• Hint: You can double the recipe and make several batches of sauce to store. Cover and refrigerate up to 1 week, or freeze up to 3 months. You can put the sauce in a jelly jar, add a label with storage directions and give as a gift from your kitchen. Your friends will thank you.