What is chile pasilla?

Chile pasilla, also known as chile negro, is a type of dried chile pepper commonly used in Mexican cuisine. It is a long, dark brown chile with a wrinkled appearance. Pasilla chiles have a rich, complex flavor with mild to medium heat.

Pasilla chiles are often used in mole sauces, salsas, and stews to add depth and a smoky flavor. They can also be rehydrated and used in marinades or as a topping for tacos and tamales.

To prepare pasilla chiles for cooking, they can be toasted lightly in a dry skillet to release their flavor, then soaked in hot water to soften before pureeing or chopping.

Chile pasilla is a versatile and flavorful ingredient that adds a unique taste to a variety of dishes in Mexican cuisine.