Mulato Chilli – The Sweet, Dark Side of Mexican Cooking
What is a Mulato Chilli?
The Mulato Chilli is the darker, sweeter cousin of the Ancho. Both come from dried poblano peppers, but while Anchos are dried while just ripening, Mulatos are ripened to full maturity, turning almost black before being dried. The result is a chilli that’s rich, mellow, and full of complex flavour.
Deeply rooted in traditional Mexican cuisine, the Mulato is one of the key chillies in the legendary mole poblano – often used alongside Ancho and Pasilla to create the famous “Holy Trinity” of Mexican mole-making.
Flavour Profile & Heat Level
Mulato brings low heat and high complexity — think of it as the chilli version of dark chocolate.
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Heat Level: Mild
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Scoville Rating: 2,500 – 3,000 SHU
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Flavour Notes: Chocolate, dried fruit, tobacco, liquorice, coffee
Culinary Uses of Mulato Chilli
This chilli is all about slow cooking and bold sauces. Mulato pods are usually toasted, rehydrated and blended, forming the foundation of deep, layered Mexican dishes.
Use it in:
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Mole poblano & Oaxacan moles – A vital ingredient for complex, velvety sauces
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Stews & braises – Adds background sweetness and richness
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Chilli pastes & marinades – Combine with garlic, onion, and cumin
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Vegetarian dishes – Enhances lentils, beans, and root veg with umami depth
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Salsas – Blend with tomato for a smoky-sweet alternative to standard salsas
Mulato isn’t for quick spice hits – it’s a slow-burn, flavour-building chilli that transforms the dish over time.
Why Buy Mulato from CHILLIESontheWEB?
We source top-grade Mulato chillies direct from Mexico, ensuring they’re soft, pliable, and full of that dark, sweet aroma. Our chillies are stored and packed to preserve their natural oils, colour, and complexity — no dry husks or dull flavours here.
Whether you’re building a classic mole or experimenting with fusion sauces, Mulato brings depth, richness, and a uniquely Mexican soul to your cooking.