Oh, what I wouldn’t give to be in Oaxaca right now, tasting mezcal and lazily strolling the Zócalo.

Since I’m not headed there anytime soon, I figured the next best thing was to make Oaxacan Pasilla Salsa, a rustic condiment commonly found on tables throughout Oaxaca.

The star of the show here is the Pasilla Oaxaqueño chile, an earthy, smoky, robustly flavored chile grown in the northern parts of Oaxaca. It’s not so easy to find, unless you know where to look.

Recipe: https://www.rickbayless.com/recipe/oa...

Looking for a few other dishes where this salsa shines?

Seared Steak Tacos with Cactus Paddles: https://www.rickbayless.com/recipe/se...

Grilled Pork Tacos, Pastor Style: https://www.rickbayless.com/recipe/gr...

Slivered Beef Tacos with WellBrowned Onions: https://www.rickbayless.com/recipe/sl...

Looking to source chiles? Try these online vendors:

Spicesinc.com
Worldspicemerchants.com
thechileguy.com