Smoky Huitlacoche & Poblano Stuffed Ancho Chiles
Tender roasted ancho chiles are stuffed with a rich, earthy filling of huitlacoche (corn smut) and smoky poblano peppers, simmered in a complex mole-inspired broth. This dish offers a deep, savory umami flavor with a hint of spicy warmth and a subtle, pleasant bitterness from the roasted ingredients.

Prep Time
75 min
Difficulty
Medium
Servings
4
Calories
350 kcal
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice poblano peppers in half lengthwise, remove seeds and membranes. Place poblano halves and ancho chiles on a baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Roast for 15-20 minutes, or until poblano peppers are softened and slightly charred, and ancho chiles are pliable.
~20 min - 2
While peppers roast, finely dice the half yellow onion and mince the garlic cloves. Rinse the huitlacoche thoroughly and chop it into smaller pieces.
~5 min - 3
Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
~8 min - 4
Add the chopped huitlacoche to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until much of the moisture has evaporated and the huitlacoche is slightly browned, about 10-12 minutes.
~12 min - 5
Stir in the dried epazote, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and canned diced tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
~5 min - 6
Once the poblano peppers are cooled enough to handle, finely chop them. Add the chopped poblanos to the huitlacoche mixture. Stir to combine.
~3 min - 7
Carefully remove the stems and seeds from the roasted ancho chiles, creating a pocket for the filling. Spoon the huitlacoche and poblano mixture into each ancho chile. Top with shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
~7 min - 8
Pour the vegetable broth into the large pot. Bring to a simmer. Gently place the stuffed ancho chiles into the simmering broth, ensuring they are mostly submerged. Cover the pot and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chiles are very tender and the flavors have infused.
~20 min - 9
Carefully remove the stuffed chiles from the pot and place them on serving plates. Spoon some of the broth over the chiles before serving.
~2 min
Tips
- If fresh huitlacoche is unavailable, canned huitlacoche can be used, but ensure it is well-drained before cooking.
- For an extra layer of spice, add a finely chopped chipotle pepper in adobo sauce to the filling mixture.
Featured Collections
Popular Recipes

Ancho Chili & Mango Glazed Pork Belly Tacos with Pickled Red Onion
Succulent pork belly, slow-cooked and then lacquered with a smoky ancho chili and sweet-tart mango glaze, is nestled into warm corn tortillas. Topped with vibrant, quick-pickled red onions and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, these tacos offer a complex interplay of sweet, sour, and smoky flavors.
HalalSmoked Chili & Chocolate Tamales with Mango Salsa
These tamales offer a complex flavor profile, combining the earthy smokiness of chipotle with the rich bitterness of dark chocolate, all balanced by a vibrant, sweet-and-tangy mango salsa. Each bite is a journey through salty, sweet, and umami notes, making them an unforgettable appetizer.
HalalChocolate Mole Tartlets with Candied Lime Zest
These elegant tartlets feature a rich, dark chocolate ganache infused with the complex, bitter, and savory notes of mole poblano. A bright, candied lime zest topping provides a surprising counterpoint to the deep flavors.
HalalSmoked Habanero & Mango 'Aguachile' Bites with Plantain Crisps
These vibrant bites feature thinly sliced, quickly cured scallops bathed in a smoky, fiery habanero and mango marinade. Served atop crispy plantain rounds, they offer a complex interplay of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors with a delightful textural contrast.