Best Ancho Chile Sauce Recipes

POBLANO AND PEPPER JACK-STUFFED CHICKEN BREASTS WITH ANCHO CHILE CREAM SAUCE

Steps:

• For the poblano and pepper jack-stuffed chicken breasts: Roast the poblano peppers over an open flame until completely charred, transfer to a plastic bag and seal for 10 minutes. Peel the charred skin, remove all the seeds and cut each pepper in half.
• Meanwhile, put chicken breasts on a cutting board and pound with a meat mallet to 1/4-inch thickness. Season with salt and pepper.
• Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the oil, heat, then add the chicken and cook until the first side is golden-brown, 1 to 2 minutes. Flip and cook until the second side is golden-brown, another 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast until just cooked through, about 8 minutes.
• Meanwhile, make the ancho chile cream sauce: Bring the cream to a simmer in a small saucepan and cook until reduced by 1/3. Add the Cajun spice and ancho chile powder and simmer for another minute or so. Keep warm.
• When the chicken is done, cut each piece into 2 equal halves. Lay one piece in the centers of 2 dinner plates and top each with 2 poblano halves, 1 piece of pepper jack, and another piece of chicken. Pour half of the Ancho Chile Cream Sauce over the tops and serve immediately.

SHORT RIBS BRAISED IN COFFEE ANCHO CHILE SAUCE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F.
• Soak ancho chiles in boiling-hot water until softened, about 20 minutes, then drain in a colander set over a bowl. Taste soaking liquid: It will be a little bitter, but if unpleasantly so, discard it; otherwise, reserve for braising. Transfer ancho chiles to a blender and purée with onion, garlic, chipotles with sauce, maple syrup, lime juice, and 1 teaspoon salt.
• Pat ribs dry and sprinkle with pepper and remaining 2 teaspoons salt. Heat oil in a 12-inch heavy skillet over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking, then brown ribs in 3 batches, turning occasionally, about 5 minutes per batch. Transfer as browned to a roasting pan just large enough to hold ribs in 1 layer.
• Carefully add chile purée to fat remaining in skillet (use caution, since it will splatter and steam) and cook over moderately low heat, stirring frequently, 5 minutes. Add reserved chile soaking liquid (or 1 1/2 cups water) and coffee and bring to a boil, then pour over ribs (liquid should come about halfway up sides of meat).
• Cover roasting pan tightly with foil and braise ribs in middle of oven until very tender, 3 to 3 1/2 hours. Skim fat from pan juices and serve with ribs.

ANCHO CHILE SAUCE

Steps:

• Place chile in medium bowl. Pour enough boiling water over to cover; let soak until soft, about 30 minutes. Drain, reserving soaking liquid.
• Heat oil in heavy medium saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and saute until soft, stirring often, about 4 minutes. Add tomato paste; stir 2 minutes. Add garlic and stir 30 seconds. Add wine and softened chile; simmer 2 minutes. Add 3 tablespoons reserved chile soaking liquid, ketchup and all remaining ingredients. Simmer 3 minutes, stirring often. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
• Puree sauce in blender, adding more reserved soaking liquid by tablespoonfuls if too thick. May be made 3 days ahead; cover and chill.

ANCHO CHILE SAUCE

Steps:

• Place chile in medium bowl. Pour enough boiling water over to cover; let soak until soft, about 30 minutes. Drain, reserving soaking liquid.
• Heat oil in heavy medium saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until soft, stirring often, about 4 minutes. Add tomato paste; stir 2 minutes. Add garlic and stir 30 seconds. Add wine and softened chile; simmer 2 minutes. Add 3 tablespoons reserved chile soaking liquid, ketchup, and all remaining ingredients. Simmer 3 minutes, stirring often. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
• Puree sauce in blender, adding more reserved soaking liquid by tablespoonfuls if too thick. DO AHEAD: Can be made 3 days ahead. Cover and chill.
• * Available at many supermarkets and at specialty foods stores and Latin markets.

ANCHO-GUAJILLO CHILE SAUCE

Steps:

• Heat heavy large skillet over medium-high heat 2 minutes. Add all chile pieces; cook just until chiles blister, pressing with metal spatula and turning occasionally, about 30 seconds. Transfer chiles to bowl; add 5 cups very hot water. Soak chiles until very tender, pushing occasionally to submerge, about 30 minutes.
• Working in 3 batches, puree chiles with soaking liquid and all remaining ingredients in blender until smooth. Season sauce with more salt, if desired. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate.)

ANCHO CHILE FETTUCCINI WITH CILANTRO-TOMATILLO CREAM SAUCE

Steps:

• 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.
• 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. Lay the fettuccine flat on lightly floured surface for 15 minutes.
• 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.
• 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.

SHORT RIBS BRAISED IN COFFEE ANCHO CHILE SAUCE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 300°F.
• Soak ancho chiles in boiling-hot water until softened, about 20 minutes, then drain in a colander set over a bowl.
• Taste soaking liquid: It will be a little bitter, but if unpleasantly so, discard it; otherwise, reserve for braising.
• Transfer ancho chiles to a blender and purée with onion, garlic, chipotles with sauce, maple syrup, lime juice, and 1 teaspoon salt.
• Pat ribs dry and sprinkle with pepper and remaining 2 teaspoons salt.
• Heat oil in a 12-inch heavy skillet over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking, then brown ribs in 3 batches, turning occasionally, about 5 minutes per batch.
• Transfer as browned to a roasting pan just large enough to hold ribs in 1 layer.
• Carefully add chile purée to fat remaining in skillet (use caution, since it will splatter and steam) and cook over moderately low heat, stirring frequently, 5 minutes.
• Add reserved chile soaking liquid (or 1 1/2 cups water) and coffee and bring to a boil, then pour over ribs (liquid should come about halfway up sides of meat).
• Cover roasting pan tightly with foil and braise ribs in middle of oven until very tender, 3 to 3 1/2 hours.
• Skim fat from pan juices and serve with ribs.
• Cooks' note: Ribs improve in flavor if braised 2 days ahead.
• Cool, uncovered, then chill, surface covered with parchment paper or wax paper and roasting pan covered with foil.
• Remove any solidified fat before reheating.

RED CHILE CRUSTED FILET MIGNON WITH ANCHO CHILE MUSHROOM SAUCE

Steps:

• For the sauce: Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium high heat, add the onion and garlic and cook for 3 minutes. Raise the heat to high, add the wine and cook until dry. Reduce the heat to medium, add the mushrooms, cook until lightly browned and soft, and add the stock. Raise the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 15 minutes. Whisk in the ancho puree and chipotle and cook for 5 minutes more. Add the honey and salt and pepper to taste.
• For the steak: Combine all the ingredients together in a medium bowl. Brush a large saute pan or grill pan with oil and heat over high heat until almost smoking. Dredge each steak on 1 side in the pepper mixture and cook, pepper-side down for 1 minute, or until brown and crisp. Turn the meat over, reduce the heat to medium, and cook for 3 to 4 minutes more, until done to your liking. Serve with the Ancho Chile Mushroom Sauce.

SHORT RIBS BRAISED IN ANCHO CHILE SAUCE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F.
• Soak ancho chiles in boiling-hot water until softened, about 20 minutes, then drain in a colander set over a bowl. Taste soaking liquid: It will be a little bitter, but if unpleasantly so, discard it; otherwise, reserve for braising. Transfer ancho chiles to a blender and purée with onion, garlic, chipotles with sauce, maple syrup, lime juice, and 1 teaspoon salt.
• Pat ribs dry and sprinkle with pepper and remaining 2 teaspoons salt. Heat oil in a 12-inch heavy skillet over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking, then brown ribs in 3 batches, turning occasionally, about 5 minutes per batch. Transfer as browned to a roasting pan just large enough to hold ribs in 1 layer.
• Carefully add chile purée to fat remaining in skillet (it will spatter and steam) and cook over moderately low heat, stirring frequently, 5 minutes. Add reserved chile soaking liquid (or 1 1/2 cups water) and coffee and bring to a boil, then pour over ribs (liquid should reach about halfway up sides of meat).
• Cover roasting pan tightly with foil and braise ribs until very tender, 3 to 3 1/2 hours. Skim fat from pan juices. Serve ribs with pan juices.

ANCHO CHILE TOMATO SAUCE

Steps:

• Core tomatoes and cut in half - squeeze out and discard seeds. Cut tomatoes in chunks. One-third at a time, place tomato chunks in food processor bowl or blender container. Process with several on/off turns; tomatoes should remain chunky. Transfer to medium bowl. You should have about 3 1/4 cups tomatoes. Set aside.
• In a medium saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion; cook and stir until tender but not brown (3 minutes). Stir in garlic and chile powder; cook and stir for 1 minute. Stir in tomatoes. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer gently; uncovered, about 15 minutes or until sauce is thickened. Stir in basil and salt; heat through. Makes 3 cups.
• Hint: You can double the recipe and make several batches of sauce to store. Cover and refrigerate up to 1 week, or freeze up to 3 months. You can put the sauce in a jelly jar, add a label with storage directions and give as a gift from your kitchen. Your friends will thank you.

SOUTHWESTERN BARBECUED BRISKET WITH ANCHO CHILE SAUCE

Steps:

• Mix first 7 ingredients in small bowl. Rub spice blend over brisket. Wrap brisket in plastic; refrigerate at least 2 hours and up to 24 hours.
• For charcoal grill:
• Remove top rack from barbecue. Prepare barbecue (low heat). Light briquettes in chimney; pour onto 1 side of lower grill rack (you'll need to light more briquettes in chimney to replenish 2 or 3 more times during grilling). Drain 2 cups wood chips. Scatter 2 cups wood chips over coals. Return grill rack to barbecue. Heat barbecue to 300°F.
• For gas grill:
• Remove top rack from barbecue. Prepare barbecue (low heat). If using 2-burner grill, light 1 burner. If using 3-burner grill, do not light center burner. Drain 2 cups wood chips. Stack 2 mini loaf pans (one inside the other); fill with 1 cup wood chips. Stack remaining loaf pans; fill with 1 cup wood chips. Place pans over flame (if using 3-burner grill, place both pans on 1 lit side). Return rack to barbecue. Heat barbecue to 300°F. (If temperature rises too high on 3-burner grill, turn off burner without chips.)
• Unwrap brisket and arrange fat side up in 11 3/4 x 8 1/2 x 1 1/4-inch aluminum pan; place pan over unlit part of barbecue. Cover barbecue. Cook brisket until instant-read thermometer inserted into center registers 160°F, adjusting vents or adding more charcoal as needed (if using charcoal grill) or adjusting gas levels (if using gas grill) to maintain temperature inside barbecue grill at 250°F, about 31/2 hours. Baste brisket occasionally with pan juices and add more drained wood chips as needed.
• Remove pan with brisket. Discard pan and juices. Wrap brisket tightly in 2 wide sheets of heavy-duty foil. Place in clean 11 3/4 x 8 1/2 x 1 1/4-inch aluminum pan. Return to grill over unlit side, maintaining temperature inside grill at 250°F, until instant-read thermometer inserted into thickest part of center of brisket registers 190°F, about 1 1/2 hours longer. Transfer brisket in pan to rimmed baking sheet. Let rest at least 1 hour and up to 2 hours.
• Carefully unwrap brisket, saving any juices in foil. Transfer juices to small pitcher. Place brisket on work surface. Thinly slice brisket across grain; transfer to platter. Brush brisket with some of juices. Serve with any remaining juices and Ancho Chile Sauce.
• * Available in the spice section of many supermarkets and at Latin markets.

SPICE-RUBBED PORK TENDERLOIN WITH ANCHO CHILE MUSTARD SAUCE

Steps:

• Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and season with salt and pepper.
• Combine chicken stock, apple juice, peppercorns, chipotle and ancho puree in a medium saucepan over high heat and reduce to a sauce consistency. Whisk in mustard and creme fraiche and cook for 1 minute. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Combine the butter, thyme, and salt and pepper, to taste, in a food processor until smooth. Place a sheet of parchment paper or waxed paper on a work surface. Arrange the butter along one long side and form into a roll about 1-inch in diameter, leaving a 1-inch border of paper. Roll up the butter in the paper and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Dredge the tenderloin in the spice rub mixture and pat off any excess. Heat olive oil in medium oven-proof skillet until almost smoking. Add the pork tenderloin and sear well on all sides. Place the pan in the oven and continue cooking to medium-well, about 8 to 10 minutes. Let rest and slice into 1-inch pieces on the diagonal. Spoon sauce onto a platter and top with the slices of pork.

CHICKEN, POTATO, AND CARROT ENCHILADAS WITH ANCHO-GUAJILLO CHILE SAUCE

Steps:

• Bring first 5 ingredients to boil in large pot. Reduce heat; simmer gently until chicken is cooked through, about 30 minutes. Cool chicken in broth 30 minutes, then transfer chicken to bowl and cool completely (reserve broth for another use).
• Cook carrots in pot of boiling salted water until crisp-tender, about 6 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer carrots to another bowl. Add potatoes to same pot and boil until tender, about 35 minutes. Drain. Cool potatoes, then peel and cut into 3/4-inch cubes; add to bowl with carrots.
• Preheat oven to 200°F. Bring Ancho-Guajillo Chile Sauce to simmer in large saucepan. Reduce heat to low and keep warm. Heat 3 tablespoons oil in large skillet over medium heat. Place 1/2 cup warm chile sauce in medium bowl. Dip chicken pieces into sauce to coat, allowing excess to drip back into bowl. Add chicken pieces to skillet and fry until heated through, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer chicken to rimmed baking sheet and keep warm in oven.
• Pour 1/4 cup oil into same skillet; heat over medium-high heat. Add potatoes and carrots; sauté until heated through, about 6 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer potatoes and carrots to 13x9x2-inch baking dish. Season with salt. Keep warm in oven. Heat 1/2 cup oil in same skillet over medium heat. Quickly dip 1 tortilla into warm chile sauce to coat, then carefully slide tortilla into hot oil (mixture will splatter). Cook 10 seconds per side. Using tongs, transfer tortilla to baking sheet; fold tortilla in half. Keep warm in oven. Repeat.
• Place 2 tortillas on each plate. Top with some of warm chile sauce, then potatoes and carrots. Sprinkle with cheese, sliced onion, radishes, and jalapeños; top with crema. Arrange 2 lettuce leaves alongside. Place chicken atop lettuce and serve.
• *Cultured Mexican cream with a slightly nutty flavor and consistency of thin sour cream.

ROASTED SALMON IN BANANA LEAVES WITH ANCHO CHILE-GINGER SAUCE WITH SAFFRON ROASTED VEGETABLE COUSCOUS

Steps:

• Whisk all ingredients together in a medium bowl, season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Rub each fillet with olive oil, season to taste with salt and pepper, and wrap envelope style in a banana leaf rectangle. Place seam-side down on a sheet pan and roast 8 to 10 minutes. When done, the fish will look a bit undercooked on top but will be firm and opaque. Place the packets seam-side up on a platter and fold back the sides of the banana leaf.
• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Place the vegetables in a medium baking dish, toss with the olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 8 to 10 minutes until vegetables are just cooked through. Bring vegetable stock, saffron and 1 teaspoon of salt to a boil in a medium saucepan, let boil for 5 minutes, until saffron blooms and colors the stock. Add the couscous, stir, cover and reduce heat to low. Cook until all liquid is absorbed, 8 to 10 minutes. Place couscous in a large bowl, add the roasted vegetables and parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve with salmon and ancho chile-ginger sauce. Garnish with diced red pepper and cilantro.

CHICKEN ENCHILADAS WITH ANCHO CHILE CREAM SAUCE

Steps:

• Ancho Chile Cream Sauce:.
• Bring 2 cups water to boil in small sauce pan. Remove pan from heat, add Ancho chiles, soak 30 minutes. Reserve 6 Tbsp of liquid, drain rest of liquid.
• Cut stems off of chiles, cut open and scrape out seeds. Combine Ancho chiles, reserve liquid and garlic in blender and puree.
• Combine cream and chile puree in heavy skillet.
• Bring to a boil, reduce heat, simmer for 3 minutes. Whisk in lime juice, season with salt. Strain sauce (not really necessary).
• Enchilada Filling:.
• Mix 1 3/4 cup sour cream, canned chiles, green onion, cilantro and cumin in large bowl.
• Mix in shredded chicken, mushrooms, 1 cup of cheese, tomatoes, 3 Tbsp of Ancho Chile Cream Sauce, salt and pepper to taste.
• Assembly:.
• Bring remaining Ancho Chile Cream Sauce to a simmer, cook tortillas in sauce for 15 seconds, coating both sides. Place tortilla in baking dish, spoon 1/2 cup of filling down center of tortilla. Roll tortilla closed, arrange seam side down.
• Repeat. May need another small glass dish for all enchiladas.
• Cover with foil and bake 30 - 45 minutes. Uncover and sprinkle with 1 cup of cheese. Bake uncovered until cheese melts, approximately 5 minutes.
• Serve with sour cream, guacamole and pico de gallo.

ANCHO-CHILE CHICKEN BITES IN ANCHO-CHILI SAUCE

Steps:

• Salt and lightly pepper both sides the chicken breast.
• Liberally add the ancho chili pepper onto both sides of the breasts.
• Cut the breasts into 1 inch cubes.
• Whisk the egg whites.
• In a Ziploc bag or mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and 2 tablespoons of Acho Chili Pepper.
• Take a handful of the cut chicken and dip into the egg whites. (coat well).
• Place the chicken in the flour mixture and shake well. (coat well).
• Place the chicken in the deep fryer at 355 degrees for 6 to 7 minutes. Drain on rack and set aside on paper towel. (NOTE: You do not have to fry all at once. Fry in batches for best results.).
• For sauce:.
• Melt butter in non stick pan. (medium heat).
• Stir in honey and brown sugar until well blended.
• Stir in Chili and Barbeque sauces.
• Add remaining tablespoon of Ancho Chili pepper. Stir.
• Bring to boil then let simmer for 5 minutes.
• Place the chicken in a Tupperware bowl.
• Pour sauce over chicken.
• Put the top over Tupperware and shake chicken and sauce until chicken is evenly coated with sauce.
• Serve over rice, with cajun fries, or food of your choice.

INSTANT-POT ANCHO CHILE SAUCE

Steps:

• Prepare the chiles:
• Pull or cut off the stems from the chiles and remove as many seeds as possible. Put the chiles in the Instant Pot. Be sure to thoroughly wash your hands after handling the chiles.
• Pressure cook:
• Add the garlic, water, salt, sugar, oregano, and cumin to the Instant Pot. Lock the lid into place. Select Manual; adjust the pressure to High and the time to 8 minutes. After cooking, naturally release the pressure for 5 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure. Unlock and remove the lid.
• Finish the sauce:
• Pour the sauce into a blender. Add the vinegar and blend until smooth, being careful to hold the lid on. Use immediately, or store in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to a week or in the freezer for up to a month.

SANTA FE PENNE PRIMAVERA W/CUMIN-ANCHO CHILE CREAM SAUCE

Steps:

• Have all of your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking.
• (Start boiling the water for your pasta and cook it according to package directions.) Meanwhile, add approximately 1 Tbsp of extra virgin olive oil and 2 Tbsp fresh chopped garlic to a large,heavy,deep nonstick skillet and set the heat to medium-high.
• Add the ground meat to the pan and cook, stirring often,to brown the meat, breaking up any lumps with your spoon so it crumbles.
• Once the meat has fully cooked (about 5 minutes or so), use a slotted spoon to remove it to a small bowl and set aside; drain any remaining fat/oil from the pan and wipe dry with a paper towel (watch out for your fingers).
• Using the same skillet, add approximately 1 teaspoon more oil to the pan, along with 1 teaspoon of garlic and all of the chopped red onions.
• Saute,over medium-high heat, about 2 minutes or until onion is translucent& lightly browned, stirring often.
• (Don't forget to check on your pasta).
• As soon as the onions have softened a bit and are lightly browned, add the peppers to the pan and continue to stir about 1-2 minutes more.
• Add the zucchini and the corn, stirring to coat well.
• Add the seasoned salt and about 8 grinds of black pepper, stirring well to coat the vegetables.
• Let the veggies cook about 5 minutes- stirring often- until they are still a bit crisp, but just beginning to soften& brown.
• (Check on your pasta again).
• Return the meat to the pan, and also add all of the remaining spices (cumin,Cajun seasoning, Ancho Chile powder,and a 2-4 splashes of hot sauce to taste), stirring to combine.
• Lower the heat just a bit to medium and slowly pour in the evaporated milk, stirring constantly to blend.
• Add the sour cream and the cheese and stir until everything has blended together.
• Raise the heat back to medium-high and let the sauce cook down just a bit- about 5 minutes or so, stirring- it will be quite thin, you may a dd a little more sour cream if you prefer it a bit thicker.
• Test the flavor for seasonings- adding a little more salt, hot sauce, cumin,etc if needed to suit your tastes.
• Toss drained, hot pasta with a little olive oil or butter to taste- just enough to keep it from sticking together (optional step).
• Divide pasta among 4 large dinner plates and ladle out the sauce into the center of each.
• Place a dollop of sour cream in the very center of each portion and sprinkle some freshly chopped cilantro leaves over all.
• Serve immediately.
• NOTE:*You may use prechopped, bottled fresh garlic if desired.

ANCHO CHILE AND BOURBON SAUCE

Steps:

• Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat.
• Add the onions and cook until soft.
• Add the bourbon and cook until completely reduced.
• Add the remaining ingredients and cook until reduced by half.
• Strain through a fine mesh strainer, return mixture to the pan, and cook to sauce consistency, if you want to thicken, add some flour.
• Season with salt.

PAN ROASTED VENISON WITH CRUSHED BLACKBERRY-ANCHO CHILE SAUCE AND SWEET POTATO-TOASTED PINE NUT POLENTA

Steps:

• Whisk together the gin, Port, red wine, thyme, and juniper berries in a medium shallow baking dish. Add the venison and turn to coat. Marinate at room temperature for 20 minutes.
• Remove from marinade and pat dry. Heat olive oil in a large saute pan over high heat. Season the venison with salt and pepper and cook on 1 side until golden brown, about 3 to 4 minutes. Turn over, reduce heat to medium and continue cooking for 3 to 4 minutes.
• Plate with the Sweet Potato-Toasted Pine Nut Polenta, drizzled with the Crushed Blackberry-Ancho Chile Sauce.
• Brush a little oil on a baking sheet and set aside. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic and cook until soft. Add stock or water plus salt, increase heat to high and bring to a boil. Slowly whisk in the cornmeal with a wire whisk.
• Once all of the cornmeal is whisked in turn the heat to low and continue cooking, mixing with a wooden spoon, until the mixture begins to pull away from the sides of the pan. Stir in the mashed sweet potato and butter and mix until combined. Stir the pine nuts into the mixture, season with salt and pepper and pour the mixture into the prepared baking sheet. Cover the top with plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm and chilled.
• Remove from the refrigerator and cut into triangles, circles, or squares. Heat oil in a large saute pan, season the polenta slices with salt and pepper, and saute on both sides until golden brown.
• Melt the butter in a medium non-reactive saucepan over medium heat. Cook the celery, carrot, and onions until soft. Add the peppercorns, port, red wine, cranberry juice, ancho puree, brown sugar, and stock and cook over high heat, stirring occasionally, until reduced by half. Strain into a clean pot, add the blackberries, and cook over medium heat until the blackberries are soft, using the back of a fork, gently crush the blackberries. Season with salt, to taste.
• Combine the ancho and water in a small bowl and let stand 1 hour. Drain well, reserving the soaking liquid. Remove the seeds and stems and puree in a food processor with the garlic, cilantro, and about 1/2 cup of the liquid, or more if needed.