Makes approximately 1½ cups

INGREDIENTS

1 tablespoons olive oil
2 medium dried red chilies, seeded and chopped (stems included)
½ a medium yellow onion, chopped
½ a poblano pepper, seeded and chopped
1 medium tomato, chopped
½ tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves
1 clove garlic, chopped
½ teaspoon cumin
¼ teaspoon cumin seeds
¼ teaspoon smoky chili powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ cup water (or chicken broth)

DIRECTIONS

In a medium sauté pan, heat oil over medium heat. Sauté chilies, onions, and poblanos until tender, 5 to 7 minutes. Add tomatoes, tomato paste, cilantro, garlic, spices, salt and water, and bring to a boil. Let simmer for about 15-20 minutes. Let cool and process in blender.