Pasilla de Oaxaca Chiles


Pasilla de Oaxaca Chiles (pronounced "pah-SEE-yah day wa-HAAK-kah"), Capsicum annuum, are also called pasilla Mixe (pronounced “MEE-hay”), chile de Oaxaca, or Oaxacan pasilla. The locals call this chile ayuuk (pronounced “ah-YOOK”).
Pasilla de Oaxaca chiles are celebrated in the state of Oaxaca and are a major agricultural crop in that region. They are farmed primarily on small-holdings properties, and those locations, and the processing areas where they are cleaned, dried, and smoked are protected by the locals to prevent the seeds and drying techniques from theft.
A top-grade Pasilla de Oaxaca should be clean, pliable, not torn or broken, with a definitively smoky, almost bacon-esque smell and hints of dried fruit in the background.
There are typically 3 Pasilla de Oaxaca Chiles per ounce.
One whole Pasilla de Oaxaca Chile = approximately two teaspoons of powder when ground.
Flavor Profile
These chiles have a sharp, smoky flavor with hints of tobacco and fruit. Their heat comes in late, but it has a bite that lingers.
Heat Level
These chiles are at the low end of what we consider a hot chile, as it measures 15,000 to 20,000 SHU (Scoville Heat Units).
How to Use
With their strangely meaty aroma, Pasilla de Oaxaca Chiles are useful for imparting umami, pork-like flavor into foods. Use to season black beans for a rich-tasting Oaxacan Tlayuda without the meat. They are also wonderful in Smoky Oaxacan Shrimp and Grits and Easy Borracho Beans. Add them to sauces like mole, soups, and salsas.
Oaxaca Chile Substitution
Their unique flavor makes Pasilla de Oaxaca tricky to substitute for, but Chipotle Meco Chiles (2,500-10,000 SHU) are deeply smoked and come closest in replicating their flavor. You could also use Chipotle Morita Chiles (2,500-10,000 SHU), though these chiles don’t have as much smoky flavor. They are also milder than the Pasilla de Oaxaca, so you may want to boost the heat a bit with some additional chipotles, or a pinch or two of Cayenne Chile Powder. You can also use equal quantities of chipotle in adobo sauce plus 1 teaspoon sauce per chile.
Country of Origin
Mexico.
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size1 chile, 5g
Amount Per Serving
Calories16
% Daily Value*
Total Fat0g0%
Saturated Fat0g0%
Trans Fat0g
Polyunsaturated Fat0g
Monounsaturated Fat0g
Cholesterol0mg0%
Sodium0.0mg0%
Total Carbohydrate3.3g1%
Dietary Fiber1.5g6%
Total Sugars0.2g
Added Sugars0g0%
Sugar Alcohol0.0g
Protein0.5g1%
Vitamin D0mcg0%
Calcium0mg0%
Iron0mg0%
Potassium0mg0%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. These values were calculated and therefore are approximate. For more accuracy, testing is advised.