August 3, 2023

Ancho Paint

Ancho Paint: A Taste of ACL Festival at Home

In the bustling heart of Austin, Texas, at the Austin City Limits Music Festival, a culinary phenomenon was born that would soon become a symbol of the city’s unique flavor profile. Meet the Mighty Cone and its famous Hot ‘n’ Crunchy Chicken Cone, crowned with the incredible Ancho Paint.

The Birth of The Mighty Cone

Back in 2002, the organizers of ACL sought to infuse the festival’s food court with the local culinary spirit. They contacted Chef Jeff Blank, owner of Hudson’s on the Bend, to create festival food that would reflect Austin’s heritage. The idea began with Hot ‘n’ Crunchy Trout, a popular entrée at Hudson’s, developed by the late sous chef, Courtney Swenson.

The chefs experimented with this breading, discovering that chicken wrapped in a tortilla and placed in a paper cone made a perfect festival treat. Topped with mango-jalapeno slaw and Ancho Paint, the Hot ‘n’ Crunchy Chicken Cone was born. The success was so immense that Jeff Blank eventually opened The Mighty Cone food truck in downtown Austin in 2009.

Ancho Paint: A Culinary Masterpiece

Ancho Paint, the secret sauce behind the famous Crunchy Chicken Cones is a delightful blend of rehydrated anchos, jalapeños, lime juice, honey, garlic, and shallots. While the chicken cones remain legendary, the Ancho Paint transcends its origins, finding a home in:

Tacos and Burritos: Adding a spicy Tex-Mex kick.

Grilled Meats: Enhancing flavors of steak, chicken, and fish.

Sandwiches and Burgers: For a luscious and zesty spread.

Salads and Seafood: A perfect marinade or dressing.

Roasted Vegetables: Complementing natural sweetness.

Preserving the Flavor

Ancho Paint can be a constant companion in your kitchen, lasting 1 to 2 weeks in the refrigerator. Store it in an airtight container or freeze in ice cube trays for longer use.

An Austin Culinary Legend

Bring a piece of Austin’s unique culinary history into your home with Ancho Paint, and let your taste buds dance to the rhythm of flavors that made The Mighty Cone an icon.

Stay tuned for the Crunchy Chicken Cone recipe as well. The combination is THE BEST !

Ancho Paint by Mighty Cone

Spice up your life with our homemade Ancho Paint! This smoky, tangy, and slightly sweet sauce is a culinary masterpiece that will bring any dish to life. Crafted with rehydrated anchos, fresh jalapeños, zesty lime juice, sweet honey, and a hint of garlic and shallots, this sauce is a flavor bomb waiting to be explored. Keep it in the fridge and use it to dress up and spice up a variety of dishes.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course Brunch, Dinner, Lunch, Main Course, Sauce, Side Dish

Cuisine American, Mexican

Ingredients

6 Ancho Chili Peppers dried, seeded and soaked in ½ cup hot water
3 Garlic Cloves
1 Shallot diced
2 Jalapeños diced
¼ cup Lime Juice fresh
¼ cup Honey
1 cup Mayo Not Miracle Whip

Instructions

Drain chilies and reserve the liquid.
Puree the chilies with a little of the soaking water so that you have ½ cup of puree.
Add all other ingredients and puree until smooth.
Strain through wire sieve.
Store in a squirt bottle in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.