Red Chili Puree
A vibrant, spicy red chili puree with smoky heat and aromatic oregano, perfect for adding depth to Mexican dishes, salsas, and marinades.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put chilies in a large bowl and cover with boiling water. Allow to soak 15 minutes.
- Wear gloves to rinse and prepare chilies in cold water.
- While rinsing, break off stems; run finger inside chilies to find and discard any moldy areas; loosen seeds to be rinsed away.
- In a blender, combine seed-free chilies, 1/4 cup hot water, garlic, salt and oregano.
- Whirl at high speed until chilies are pureed.
Tips & Substitutions
To control the heat level, adjust the number of chili pods used. For a milder flavor, consider using a combination of dried red chilies and mild paprika. If you don't have dried oregano, you can substitute with Italian seasoning. Always wear gloves when handling the chilies to avoid skin irritation. This puree can be used in various Mexican recipes for added flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This red chili puree is excellent as a base for sauces or as a condiment for grilled meats. It pairs beautifully with Jean'S Spanish Rice or can be drizzled over tacos made with Tortillas For Tacos. Use it to enhance the flavor of soups, stews, or as a marinade in dishes like Fiesta Fajita Or Steak Marinade.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover red chili puree in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze in small portions using ice cube trays. When you're ready to use it, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight or microwave for a few seconds until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Red Chili Puree contains roughly 626 calories, with 20g protein, 150g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (307% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. It also contributes 86g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh red chilies instead of dried?
Yes, you can use fresh red chilies, but you will need to adjust the quantity as their flavor and heat level differ. Fresh chilies typically have a higher water content, so you may need to reduce the amount of hot water in the recipe.
How can I make this puree less spicy?
To reduce the spiciness, you can remove all the seeds and membranes from the chilies before blending. Additionally, consider blending in some roasted red peppers or a touch of sugar to balance the heat.
What dishes can I use this chili puree in?
This chili puree works great in various dishes, including enchiladas, chili con carne, or as a spicy addition to dips. It's versatile enough to be used in marinades, soups, or even drizzled over grilled vegetables for an extra kick.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).