Morita Chile Marinade
Smaller and darker than many dried chiles, the Morita is a smoked, red-ripe jalapeño—its name hinting at the subtle blackberry notes (mora) that emerge when it’s dried over wood. Compared to its close cousin the chipotle meco, Morita chiles are softer, slightly sweeter, and more nuanced, with a gentle smokiness that doesn’t overpower. In this marinade, they weave a quiet depth through the fruitier Ancho and bright Guajillo chiles, adding a lingering warmth and complexity that transforms the blend into something rich, balanced, and unmistakably layered.
Ingredients
- 6 garlic cloves, unpeeled
- 5 dried Ancho pods (2 ounces), stemmed and seeded (MS596)
- 9 dried Guajillo pods (2 ounces), stemmed and seeded (MS604)
- 3 dried Morita pods, stemmed and seeded (MS585)
- 1 1/4 teaspoons dried Mexican oregano (MS454)
- 3/4 teaspoon ground canela
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Pinch of ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground cumin
- 3 Tablespoons cider vinegar
- 3/4 cup broth or water, plus more if needed
- 2 teaspoon sugar
Instructions
- On a Santa Fe School of Cooking Grill, roast the garlic, turning occasionally, until blackened and soft, about 10 minutes. Cool and peel.
- Toast the chiles on the grill, pressing with a metal spatula until they start to crackle, then turn them and toast the other side. Be careful not to burn the chiles. Place the chiles in an a small bowl and cover them with hot water. Let stand until soft. Drain the chiles and discard the water.
- In a blender, whirl the peeled garlic, soaked chiles, oregano, canela, pepper, cloves, cumin, vinegar, and broth or water to a smooth puree. If the mixture seems too thick, add a little more liquid. Press the puree through a strainer into a bowl. Add the salt and sugar to taste.
Estimated Nutritional Facts Per Serving Serving Size: 2 Tablespoons
Calories20
Total Fat0g
Saturated Fat0g
Cholesterol0mg
Sodium5–45mg (depends on broth and any salt added to taste)
Total Carbohydrate4g
Dietary Fiber1g
Total Sugars2g
Protein1g
Estimated Nutritional Facts for Entire Recipe (2 cups)
Calories220–260
Total Fat2–4g
Saturated Fat0g
Cholesterol0mg
Sodium60–500mg (big range if broth is salted vs water)
Total Carbohydrates45–55g
Dietary Fiber12–18g
Total Sugars22–28g
Protein6–9g