Chile Colorado refers to a traditional Mexican dish made with beef, usually cut into chunks, that is simmered in a sauce made from dried red chiles. The name “Chile Colorado” literally means “red chile” (referring to the color of the sauce). The dish is flavorful and has a rich, deep color due to the use of various dried chiles like guajillo, ancho, or pasilla.
How It’s Made:
- Dried Chiles: The first step in making Chile Colorado is to prepare the dried chiles. These are often guajillo or ancho chiles. They’re typically stemmed, seeded, and then soaked in hot water to soften them.
- Blending the Chiles: Once the chiles are softened, they’re blended with other ingredients, such as garlic, onion, cumin, black pepper, and sometimes a little vinegar or tomato, to create a smooth, flavorful sauce.
- Cooking the Beef: The beef (often chuck roast or stew meat) is browned in oil or fat to develop flavor, then simmered in the chile sauce until it’s tender and fully infused with the rich red sauce.
- Serving: Chile Colorado is often served with rice, beans, or warm tortillas. It can also be used as a filling for burritos, tacos, or enchiladas.
Variations:
- Meat: While beef is the most common protein used, you can also make Chile Colorado with pork, chicken, or even a vegetarian version using mushrooms or other hearty vegetables.
- Spices: Depending on regional variations, additional spices like cloves, cinnamon, or oregano may be added to the sauce.
It’s a comforting, flavorful dish that has many regional variations across Mexico and the southwestern United States