Toasted Guajillo Chile Salsa
The Guajillo (wha-hee-oh) chile is the most common dried chile in Mexico after the Ancho. The flavor of the Guajillo is distinct, slightly fruity with a strong piney, berry under taste. Guajillo flavors dished easily so a little goes a long way. This chile is between a 2-4 on the heat scale of 1-10. Guajillo, combined with the Passilla and Ancho, form the holy trinity of chiles used to prepare the traditional mole sauces.
Suggested Use:
A mildly hot chile. Use in sauces, salsa, soups and your favorite chile. A little goes a long way.
Ingredients:
4 ounces dried guajillo chiles (about 18), stemmed
6 garlic cloves, unpeeled
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt plus more
3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions:
Heat a large dry cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, toast chiles until slightly puffed and fragrant, 15-20 seconds per side. Let cool.
Using kitchen scissors and working over a medium bowl, cut chiles into thin rings, reserving seeds. Cover with 2 cups very hot water and let soak for 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, heat the same skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook, turning often, until tender and skin is lightly charred, about 8 minutes. Let cool. Peel and trim ends.
Transfer chiles with seeds and liquid to a blender; add roasted garlic, 1 1/2 teaspoon salt, and remaining ingredients. Pulse until a thick, coarse purée forms. Season with salt.
From Bon Appetit