Mulato chile (Capsicum annuum) is a dried chili pepper commonly used in Mexican cuisine. It is one of the three peppers used in traditional mole sauce, alongside pasilla and ancho chiles. Mulato chiles are dark brown and have a wrinkled, leathery texture. They have mild to medium heat, with a rich, smoky flavor with hints of chocolate and licorice.
Table of Contents
What is mulato chile?
Mulato chile is a type of dried chili pepper that is commonly used in Mexican cuisine. It has mild to medium heat level ranging from 2,500 to 3,000 Scoville heat units.
| Origin | Mexico |
| Appearance | Large, dark brown, slightly shiny |
| Flavor profile | Smoky, earthy |
Origin
The mulato chili is believed to have originated in Mexico – more specifically, in Puebla. It is a member of the Holy Trinity of chiles used in Mexican cuisine, alongside the pasilla and ancho peppers. It goes in mole sauces, stews, soups, and marinades.
Appearance
Mulato chiles are large and dark brown, with a wrinkled and slightly shiny texture. They are typically about 4-6 inches long and 2-3 inches wide.
Flavor profile
Mulato chiles have a smoky, earthy flavor with a mild to medium heat level. They also have chocolate, tobacco, and raisins undertones. The ingredients of mulato chiles include capsaicin, which gives it its heat.
Nutritional Benefits of mulato chile
Mulato chile peppers are an excellent source of several essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are important for maintaining overall health and preventing various diseases:
- Vitamin A, essential for maintaining healthy eyesight and skin
- Vitamin K, which plays a crucial role in blood clotting and bone metabolism
- Fiber, essential for maintaining healthy digestion
Finally, these peppers contain other essential nutrients, including niacin, magnesium, and iron.
How to use mulato chile?
To use chile mulato in a recipe, you first need to remove the stem and seeds and then soak them in hot water until they soften. Then, you can blend them into sauces or marinades or use them to add depth of flavor to soups, stews, and other dishes.
What recipes are mulato peppers used for?
Mulato peppers are dried chili pepper commonly used in Mexican dishes. Here are some common ways to use mulato peppers instead other chiles:
- Mole Sauce: Mulato peppers are a key ingredient in Mexican mole sauce, a traditional Mexican sauce made with chili peppers, chocolate, and spices. The smoky, sweet flavor of the mulato peppers pairs well with the rich chocolate and herbs in the sauce.
- Chiles Rellenos: Mulato peppers are often used to make chiles rellenos, which are stuffed chili peppers. The mild heat and smoky flavor of the mulato peppers make them an excellent choice for stuffing with cheese or meat.
- Adobo Sauce: You can use these peppers to make adobo sauce, a tangy and spicy sauce commonly used to marinate meats. The smoky flavor of the mulato peppers adds depth and complexity to the sauce.
- Salsa: Mulato peppers can make a flavorful salsa that is great for dipping tortilla chips or adding to tacos. Mix roasted mulato peppers with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and cilantro for a delicious salsa.
- Enchiladas: Mulato peppers can make a rich and flavorful enchilada sauce. Combine pureed mulato peppers with chicken or vegetable broth, tomato paste, and spices for a delicious sauce that pairs well with enchiladas.
- Beef Stew: Mulato peppers can add depth and flavor to a beef stew. Simmer chunks of beef with diced tomatoes, onions, garlic, and mulato peppers for a hearty and flavorful stew.
- Chilaquiles in Mulato Chili Sauce: There’s just something about the combination of crispy tortilla chips and smoky, complex chili sauce that can set your taste buds ablaze.
- Mole Negro Sauce (Black Mole Sauce): This sauce is the ultimate in Mexican cuisine, with its rich, velvety texture and deep, dark flavor. And the mulato peppers are just perfect for it.
- Chicken Pumpkin Mole: If you’re in the mood for something a little more autumnal, you can’t go wrong with Chicken Pumpkin Mole. It’s like fall in a bowl, with tender chicken, sweet pumpkin, and a warm, spicy sauce that’ll make you feel cozy in no time.
Mulato chile vs. other most common peppers
Here’s how Mulato compares to other chili peppers:
| Pepper | Flavor Profile | Appearance | Heat Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bell Pepper | Sweet and crisp flavor with no heat | Large, blocky, and comes in various colors (green, red, etc.) | 0 SHU |
| Pepperoncini | Tangy and slightly spicy flavor with low heat | Small, yellow-green, and somewhat curved | 100 – 500 SHU |
| Banana Pepper | Mild and sweet flavor with low heat | Medium-sized, yellow, and elongated with a curved shape | 0 – 500 SHU |
| Poblano Pepper | Mild, earthy, slightly sweet with low heat | Dark green, heart-shaped | 1,000 – 2,000 SHU |
| Mulato Chile | Rich, smoky, chocolaty flavor with a mild to medium heat | Large, dark brown, and wrinkled | 2,500 – 3,000 SHU |
| Jalapeno Pepper | Spicy and bright flavor with medium heat | Small, green, and elongated with a smooth surface | 2,500 – 8,000 SHU |
| Chipotle Pepper | Smoky and fruity flavor with medium heat | Small, red, and wrinkled | 2,500 – 8,000 SHU |
| Serrano | Bright, fresh, srassy with medium to high heat | Green, slender | 10,000 – 23,000 SHU |
| Cayenne Pepper | Spicy and intense flavor with high heat | Small, red, and elongated with a pointed tip | 30,000 – 50,000 SHU |
| Habanero | Fruity, floral, intensely spicy with high heat | Orange, lantern-shaped | 100,000 – 350,000 SHU |