Ancho Chile Fettuccini with Cilantro Tomatillo

Flavorful
Description

A bold, southwestern fusion dish featuring ancho chile–infused pasta with a creamy cilantro-tomatillo sauce. Smoky, spicy, and herbaceous—great for adventurous eaters who enjoy rich flavors with a little heat.

Ingredients
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 ancho chiles, stemmed and seeded
  • 4 cloves unpeeled garlic 2 eggs
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 bunch chopped fresh cilantro
  • 3 tomatillos, husked and chopped 1/2 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped
  • 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup chicken stock 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin salt and pepper to taste
Directions
  1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium high heat. Roast ancho chiles and 4 cloves unpeeled garlic. Press the chiles flat against the pan with a spatula until they begin to pop and smoke, then flip. When done, rehydrate chiles in a bowl of warm water for 30 minutes. Turn garlic until all sides are browned, about 15 minutes. Allow to cool, then peel.
  2. In a blender or food processor, combine chiles, 2 cloves roasted garlic, and eggs. Blend until smooth. Place the flour in a mound on a clean surface. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon salt with a fork, then make a well in the center. Pour in egg mixture. Working from the center outward, gradually incorporate the flour with a fork until dough is formed. Knead dough for 5 minutes, adding more flour if necessary. Prepare fettuccini according to your pasta machine's instructions.
  3. Lay the fettuccine flat on lightly floured surface for 15 minutes.
  4. In a blender or food processor, combine 2 remaining cloves roasted garlic, cilantro, tomatillos, jalapeno, cream cheese, sour cream, chicken stock, 1 tablespoon olive oil, cumin, salt and pepper. Blend until smooth. Pour into a saucepan over low heat, and cook until heated through.
  5. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until pasta rises to the surface. Drain, and divide into serving portions; pour sauce over top.