Description

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MULATO PEPPER DRIED

Mulato chiles (mu-LAH-to), Capsicum annuum, are also called is also called chile Mulato, Mulato peppers, or Mulato chili. Dried Mulato Pepper is approximately 12cm in length and 7cm in width with a slightly flattened shape. Their thin shiny skin takes on dark brown color when they are fully ripe and later dried. They have a complex flavor profile of cocoa, licorice root, star anise cherries, and coffee.

 

 

 

Mulato’s perfect balance between sweetness and spice classifies them as low to moderately hot chile pepper, averaging 2,500-3,000 heat units on the Scoville Scale.

This chile is considered a must-have ingredient for authentic moles and makes any chile con carne far more intriguing. For those who have a fondness for homemade ice cream, ground some toasted and ground Mulato chile into a base for dark chocolate ice cream or blackberry sorbet.

Current Facts

Dried Mulato chile peppers are a variety of Capsicum annuum that are occasionally confused with another dried chile known as the Ancho. Both are made from fresh Poblanos; those meant for Ancho production are picked just as they turn red, while those intended for Mulato production are allowed to fully ripen on the plant, turning a dark brown color before they are harvested and dried. Dried Mulato chile peppers are more full-bodied and complex in flavor than their Ancho counterpart.

Nutritional Value

Dried Mulato chile peppers contain high amounts of both Vitamins C and A.

Recommended Applications

The Mulato Chile, with mild to medium heat, is great when used in your favorite chili, soup, sauces, or salsa.

Dried Mulato chile peppers are an important ingredient in the preparation of a mole, a rich, chocolaty brown, spicy sauce served with poultry or red meat. This authentic Mexican dish consists of a multitude of ingredients including the “holy trinity” of dried peppers; Mulato, Ancho, and Pasilla. Dried Mulato chile peppers are perfect for rehydrating and stuffing a baked pepper dish. They retain their deep brown color and impart a rich yet mildly sweet spice.

Mulato chiles are dried Poblanos. The name Poblanos pays homage to the native region these chiles were first cultivated which is a city in Mexico called Pueblo. Poblano translates to “pepper from Pueblo”. Dried Mulato chiles are part of the “holy trinity” of Mexican chiles (along with the dried Ancho Chile and the dried Pasilla Chile). Mulato chiles are from the plant species Capsicum annum.

Mulato chiles are grown in central Mexico and these are wide chiles, about 2-3 inches wide and about 4 inches long. These dark brown chiles have medium-thick skin and are only sold dried.

Closely Related to the Ancho Chile
Mulato Chiles are very similar in appearance to the Ancho chile and they are closely related. Both are Poblano chiles and the difference between the two is when they’re harvested.

The color of these chiles while growing is dark green. Ancho chiles are picked when they ripen to red and they’re then dried. Mulato chiles are allowed to fully ripen turning a dark brown where they’re then harvested and dried. This additional ripening time adds to the Mulato’s flavor characteristics and they’re more full-bodied and complex in flavor than the Ancho. The added nuanced flavor gives them a special role in authentic Mexcian cuisine.

Heat Level and Flavor Profile
The flavor profile of Mulato chiles is a bit sweet with hints of smoky chocolate, licorice, cherries, and coffee.

With a Scoville heat rating (SHU) of 2500 – 3000, this is a delicious way to add low-moderate heat to your dish with robust flavor.

 How to use

Along with the other two members of the “holy trinity” the Ancho and Pasilla Chiles, the Mulato chiles are a key ingredient in mole poblano, which is also known as Mexican mole, dark brown chocolate and spicy sauce that is usually served over chicken or meat. Dried Mulato chiles are ideal for mole recipes due to their dark brown color after soaking.

You’ll also find Mulato Pepper used in other Mexican sauces and stews, including chicken with rice. Cooks in Mexico make stuffed Mulato pepper (similar to stuffed Poblanos) by rehydrating the chile pods, removing the seeds, and then stuffing the pods with breadcrumbs, cheese, and shrimp. These are then pan-fried in oil.

Helpful Hints

To rehydrate your dried chiles rinse them first with warm water, then fully submerge in warm or hot water and let them soak for 10 minutes to rehydrate. Once rehydrated, dice or puree and add to your recipe. You can also add them directly to any recipe that has enough liquid and will cook for at least 10 minutes.

If you are a fan of Mexican chiles you’ll find our growing collection of dried chiles to your likening. In addition to the Ancho and Pasilla chiles we also carry – Habanero Chiles, Guajillo Chiles, Cascabel, Chiles, Chipotle Morita Chiles, Chipotle Meco (brown chipotles) Chiles, and Arbol Chiles.