How much does it cost to make chiles en nogada?

If you feel like preparing some traditional chiles en nogada to celebrate Mexico's independence, it's best to plan ahead, as prices tend to increase, stores get crowded, and ingredients run out. So, on this occasion, we took on the task of estimating how much it costs to make chiles en nogada for the patriotic month.  How much do the ingredients for chiles en nogada cost? The original recipe for chiles en nogada is prepared with a long list of ingredients: poblano pepper, pork and beef, garlic, onion, tomato, candied fruit, pear, native peach, panochera apple, plantain, spices, almonds, pine nuts, walnut, sherry, goat cheese, pomegranate, and parsley.  Together, it turns out to be quite an expensive recipe, so at kiwilimón we took on the task of comparing prices in stores, supermarkets, and delivery services to estimate how much it costs to make 4 chiles en nogada. However, we recommend visiting your nearest market or tianguis to check prices and find the best option to celebrate September 15 and 16.  You can also read: What are the benefits of eating chiles en nogada? Poblano pepper The prices of fresh poblano peppers, the star ingredient of the most iconic dish of the patriotic month, vary depending on the stores. We found that they range from $45.00, $48.80, $51.80, to $54.90 per kilo.  Ground beef Ground beef is one of the main ingredients of the filling for chiles en nogada. As of today, July 27, the price of ground beef ranges from $71.90, $87.00, $88.00, $94.00, to $97.00 for 400 grams. However, there are more expensive options, but it depends on the cut you choose for your chiles. Ground pork In addition to beef, traditional chiles en nogada are also prepared with ground pork, so it must not be missing from your shopping list. The prices for this ingredient range from $48.00, $109.00, $129.00, $114.00, to $132.00 for half a kilo.  Leche pear The authentic recipe for chiles en nogada is made with leche pear, which ranges from $48.90/kg, $62.90, to $72.50 per kilo, but consider that to prepare 4 chiles, you will only need half a kilo. Native peach You will also need sweet and juicy native peaches to celebrate with the best dish, and as of today, July 27, the prices range from $49.90, $77.00, $79.90, to $89.90 per kilo. However, remember that to prepare 4 chiles en nogada, you only need 500 g.  Panochera apple This type of apple is harvested in Puebla, the birthplace of chiles en nogada. Although it is scarce for most of the year, you can find it in markets starting in August and September, but prices vary and range from $19.00 per kilo, but they can change from market to market.  Plantain In the case of the sweet plantain, it must also be included in your recipe. These days, you will find it between $26.80, $28.90, $30.00, $36.90, and $38.90 per kilo.  You can also read: 20 surprising ways to eat chiles en nogada this seasonRaisins The filling of chiles en nogada will never be the same without a touch of raisins, which have a price ranging from $26.90, $29.90, to $34.00 for 250 g. Candied fruits The price of candied fruits per package varies from $117.00 to $177.90 in self-service stores; however, in markets, you can buy this ingredient in bulk, and you don't need to buy a whole kilo. Also, remember that the use of acitrón is prohibited in our country, as this type of plant is endangered.  Almonds You can buy 100 grams of almonds starting from $39.90, $43.50, to $40.00. Pine nuts Pine nuts are one of the most expensive ingredients needed to prepare traditional chiles en nogada, as 150 grams cost around $184.00, $113.00, and up to $235.00. Walnut This type of walnut gives a woody flavor to the nogada, so you cannot omit this ingredient. For 4 chiles, you will need 250 grams, which range from $89.98, $110.00, to $132.50. Goat cheese The original recipe for chiles en nogada is prepared with goat cheese, which can be found starting at $55.00, $59.00, and up to $61.00 for a package of 200 g.  Pomegranate The pomegranate gives life, flavor, and color to chiles en nogada, so it must not be missing from your cart. You can find it starting from $48.50, $60.00, $64.00, $72.00, and up to $94.50 per kilo. You can also read: Who invented chiles en nogada?How much does it cost to make a chile en nogada? If we consider that you probably already have garlic, onion, tomato, egg, salt, pepper, parsley, cinnamon, oregano, flour, and oil at home, we will calculate the maximum and minimum price of what it costs to cook this Mexican dish; however, you should take into account the increase in prices and that they also change depending on the stall, tianguis, market, or store you visit. Therefore, to prepare 4 succulent chiles en nogada, you can spend a minimum of $400 and a maximum of $900, but it will all depend on the quality of the ingredients and where you buy them. So, the next time you see a sale, take advantage of it!