Botanical Name: Capsicum annuum
Mulato chiles are a type of dried chili pepper commonly used in Mexican cuisine, known for their mild heat and rich, complex flavor. These chiles are made from fully ripened poblano peppers that have been dried, similar to the more well-known ancho chile, but with a darker color and deeper flavor profile. Mulato chiles are typically dark brown to black in color and have a wrinkled, leathery texture and are one of the three peppers that make up the “holy trinity” of Mexican chili peppers, alongside Ancho and Pasilla peppers.
On the Scoville scale, Mulato chiles measure between 2,500 to 3,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU), offering a very mild heat. What makes them stand out, however, is their deep, earthy flavor with notes of chocolate, dried fruit, coffee, and licorice. This unique combination of sweet, smoky, and slightly bitter undertones makes Mulato chiles a popular ingredient in traditional Mexican sauces like mole.
Mulato chiles are one of the key ingredients in mole poblano, the famous Mexican sauce that combines a variety of chiles, spices, chocolate, and nuts. In mole, the rich, bittersweet flavor of the Mulato chile complements the sweetness of chocolate and the warmth of other spices, creating a complex, layered sauce often served over chicken or turkey. Mulato chiles are also used in other sauces, stews, and marinades, adding depth to dishes like enchiladas, tamales, and soups.