- 3 pasilla chiles
- 3 guajillo chiles
- 3 cascabel chiles
- 5 cups hot water
- 6 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons minced white onion
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 6 black peppercorns
- 2 allspice berries
- 1 whole clove
- 1?4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon mezcal or tequila
- Turn on the fan over the stove. Heat a large cast-iron skillet over high heat. Remove the stems from the chiles, cut a slit up one side of each, and remove the seeds. Open up flat. One at a time, press the opened chiles flat onto the hot skillet until blistered and light brown. Turn and repeat, being careful not to burn.
- Place the chiles in a small, deep bowl and add 2 cups of the hot water. Soak the chiles for 45 minutes, pressing down occasionally into the water.
- Drain the chiles and place in a blender. Discard the soaking liquid. Add 2 cups of the remaining water and the garlic, onion, salt, peppercorns, allspice, clove, cinnamon, and cumin. Blend on high speed for 3 minutes, until very smooth.
- In a heavy sauté pan, heat the oil. Add the chile puree. It will splatter, so be ready with a splatter screen. Cook the chile puree for 10 minutes, stirring several times. Rinse the blender with the remaining 1 cup of water and add the water to the pot along with the mezcal. Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Strain through a food mill or sieve.