Chile California (California Chili) is the dried form of the Anaheim Pepper. Chiles California are mild and wonderful for adding rich and warm flavors to all your favorite Mexican dishes.
What Is Chile California?
Chile California (also called Chile California Seco) is the dried version of the Anaheim Pepper. Chiles California are very mild, registering at 500 heat units on the Scoville Scale, and are frequently used in soups, sauces, and stews. They are long, red, and shiny in appearance, similar to the chile guajillo and chile puya.
What Do Chiles California Taste Like?
Chile California is similar in flavor to both the chile puya and chile guajillo. They have a distinct fruity and yet bitter taste. However, they are much milder chilis.
Uses For Chile California
California Chili is commonly rehydrated similar to other chilis and then added to sauces and other Mexican dishes. These chilis are very mild so they are perfect for anyone who wants to add a little flavor to their dishes minus the heat.
These chilis can be used as a substitute for either chile puya or chile guajillo. Here are just a few of the ways they are used in Mexican cuisine.
- Use them in salsas and sauces like salsa roja, chipotle tomato salsa, salsa ranchera, salsa taquera, guajillo sauce, or enchilada sauce.
- Add them to flavor up your soups. Try adding them to my vegan tortilla soup.
How To Rehydrate Chilis
- Place the dried chilis in a skillet and heat over medium. Toast chilis for about one minute on each side, using tongs to flip them.
- Add chilis to a pot of boiling hot water and allow them to sit for about 10 minutes.
Additionally, these chilis can be ground into a powder using either a mortar and pestle or an electric spice grinder.
Where To Buy Chile California
It’s likely you won’t find these chilis at your local grocery store. These are a less popular type of dried chili and you’d have better luck finding them at a Mexican market. However, you can also buy them online as well.
Storing Suggestions
These chilis will last for up to 2 years if stored in an airtight container or bag. However, they are best used within 6 months after purchase when they are freshest.
Is Chile California Healthy?
Chili peppers in general are a great source for many vitamins like vitamin C, B6, A and potassium. Chilis are also believed to be beneficial for weight loss as well as being a natural remedy for heart burn. (1)(2)
Leave a Reply