So, when I am making mexican meals and do not have time to soak and rehyrdate dried Chipotle Chillies(or haven’t had time to go to the one shop that I know sells them), I reach for a can of Chipotles in Adobo Sauce.
But what is this? and why should we use them?
Well – Chipotles are small peppers(most common Jalapenos) that have been dried and smoked and then rehydrated and canned in a puree of tomato, vinegar, garlic and other spices.
I use these alot – they are great if you want add a smoky element to a dish, you need to add some heat(if you don’t want too much then scrape the seeds from the chilli prior to using). Mix it through Mayonnaise to make a spicy mayo. Marinade meat in it or add to sauces.
Another great thing about this can is that it keeps forever in the pantry(well maybe not quite but nearly) and once opened can be stored in the fridge for weeks or using an icecube tray blitz up can and freeze in blocks using only when needed. Genius!!
The most common ways that I use this magic ingredient is in Chilli Con Carne for heat and smoky flavour or Chipotle Chicken( no prizes for guessing why)
Buying this ingredient is now much easier many of the major supermarkets will stock one of Chipoltles in Adobo Sauce so just a matter of picking it off the shelf when doing your shop and starting to experiment!