Costeno Rojo

Related to the guajillo, Costeno rojo chiles are a hot dried chile with a heat level similar to the chipotle. These chiles are less common in the U.S. and can be hard to find locally but readily available online.  They are frequently used in salsa and soups but can occasionally found in mole recipes as well.

The costeno rojo heat is about a 6-7 on a relative heat scale of 1-10 which is about twice as hot as the guajillo chile which is about a 2-4 on the same scale.

Where To Buy

You can check at your local Mexican Foods grocer if you have one. If not, then buy them online at SpiceTrekkers.

If you can't find costeno rojo you can substitute Guajillo chiles but they have about half the amount of heat. If you desire more heat you can combine them with a couple of de arbol chiles.