This article provides an overview of poblano, what it tastes like, its availability, alternative names, and of course what other ingredients make poblano substitutes.
What is Poblano?
Poblano is a type of mild chili pepper that originated in the state of Puebla, Mexico. Poblanos are closely related to the mulato, which is darker in color and sweeter in flavor.
Poblanos are usually stuffed or fried and are a popular food eaten during the Mexican independence festivities, especially in the dish chiles en nogada.
What does Poblano taste like?
Poblanos usually have a mild spice to them, although on occasion, they can be unpredictably hot. The ripened red poblano is much more flavorful and significantly spicier than the less ripe green poblano.
Is Poblano readily available in Supermarkets?
Although not as common as other chili peppers, poblanos should still be readily available in major supermarkets, usually found in the fresh produce section, near the other peppers.
What are some alternative names for Poblano?
Poblanos are named after Puebla in Mexico, however, in their dried form, they are called ancho or Chile ancho, from the Spanish word meaning ‘wide’. In the US, pasilla peppers are sometimes incorrectly called poblano, however, they are not the same.
What is a good substitute for Poblano in recipes?
Luckily, there are a number of great substitutes for poblano. These include:
- The best substitute for poblanos would be the Anaheim Pepper, as it is thick enough to stuff and share a similar size.
- You could also easily substitute for the bell pepper, especially the green ones.