18 ancho chili recipes

Store bought chili powder lacks authentic flavor. We like to make our own homemade chili powder which adds a tremendous boost to Chili, Tex-Mex or Mexican recipes.

There are many variations of classic Mexican tortilla soup. In this vegetarian version (feel free to substitute chicken for the tofu for a non-veg version) the rich broth is flavored with earthy ancho (New Mexican) chillies and made more filling by adding some kale that retains it's texture well in a hot soup.

Menudo, the traditional Mexican tripe and hominy soup simmered with toasted ancho chiles, garlic, and cilantro. Serve with lime wedges for a smoky, soul-warming bowl.

Homemade Mexican chorizo with ground pork shoulder, ancho chile powder, cumin, coriander, fresh oregano, and vinegar. No casing needed, ready overnight.

Inspired by the chicken tortilla soup I had at Crocodile Café this tortilla soup comes together quickly and delivers loads of fresh Mexican recipe flavor.

Smoky chicken chili built on toasted ancho and chipotle peppers, dark beer, and a whisper of cinnamon. No beans, no tomatoes, just bold, complex heat over rice. Ready in under an hour.

Homemade Mexican chorizo: coarsely ground pork cured with toasted ancho and pasilla chilies, garlic, vinegar, and warm spices. Bulk sausage that matures in the fridge for three days.

LONGHORN CHILI WITH ANCHO, MOLE AND CUMIN... and Bacon!!!!

Rub the steak with a mixture of ancho powder, cocoa, and cinnamon, cook it in a hot skillet, and serve the succulent steak with a refreshing coleslaw and some warm tortillas.

Pescado borracho: whole red snapper baked in a smoky ancho chile and red wine sauce with olives, capers, and fresh tomatoes. This Veracruz-style Mexican fish dish is bold, briny, and unforgettable.

Salmon nachos topped with flaked canned salmon, fresh tomatoes, green chiles, yogurt, and melted cheddar. A quick seafood twist on classic nachos baked until bubbly.

Mexican vegetable soup with ground beef, kidney beans, corn, and tomato sauce seasoned with chili powder, oregano, and garlic. Topped with cheddar, sour cream, and nacho chips for a taco soup vibe.

Old-school Texas chili con carne built on rehydrated ancho and pequin chiles, cubed beef, cumin, and oregano. No tomatoes, no beans, no shortcuts. Just pure chile-forward heat the way the Lone Star State intended.

A smoky Mexican salsa made with fried dried chili peppers blended with fresh orange juice and garlic. Bright, fruity, and full of heat, this salsa con jugo is unlike anything from a jar.

Filet mignon rolled in crushed coriander, white peppercorns, ancho chili, and cumin, then seared hard for a fragrant North African spice crust. Serve sliced with tomato jam and tahini yogurt for a 15-minute showstopper.

A great variation on meatloaf using corn chips, quick and easy with as much cheese as you want. :)