modom (palindrome guy) wrote:
> On Mon, 19 Jan 2009 13:33:52 -0600, zxcvbob >
> wrote:
>
>> Instead of using chili powder and paprika, try it sometime using whole
>> dried chiles. I've had the best luck using a mixture of guajillo and
>> ancho. The chili I made this weekend had ancho and arbol chiles (mostly
>> ancho) and it was hotter but not as good as previous batches made with
>> mostly guajillos.
>>
>> Tear or break the chiles into large pieces, removing the stems and most
>> of the seeds (don't go crazy trying to get all the seeds out) and put
>> them in a small saucepan. Cover with water, and (if desired) add a few
>> whole black peppercorns and a couple of cloves of garlic (don't bother
>> peeling the garlic, just cut the cloves in half) and maybe a beef
>> bouillon cube. Simmer for a few minutes, then remove from heat, cover,
>> and let them stew until they are softened and not so hot. Dump it all
>> in a blender and liquefy. (If you do this while it's still boiling hot,
>> it will leap out and stain everything in your kitchen, don't ask me how
>> I know this.) Mash the puree thru a metal kitchen strainer using the
>> back of a spoon, to remove the skins and stray seeds.
>>
>
> Bob do you find that toasting the anchos first removes some of the
> bitter taste? Seems to work for me, anyway.



I don't know. I've never toasted them.

Bob