Chipotles en Adobo are canned chipotle peppers - smoke-dried jalapenos - in a thick vinegary, red sauce. When I started using them years ago, you had to go to mexican groceries, or specialty cooking shops. Now you can find them in any grocery store, in the "international" aisle.
They are a great ingredient if you need heat and some smoky flavor. I use them all the time in salsa and chili, and occasionally in a vinaigrette with fish or shrimp. Be careful though - they pack a punch!
This recipe is a quick tip I picked up from Bobby Flay. Instead of using "one chipotle pepper, choppped, with adobo sauce", puree the entire can ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator.
Print📖 Recipe Card
Chipotle in Adobo Puree
- Total Time: 5 minutes
Description
Puree a whole can of chipotles in adobo and keep it in the fridge, so smoky heat is always a spoonful away.
Ingredients
- 1 can chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
Instructions
- Puree the chipotles: Open the can and pour it into a food processor or blender. Process for 30 seconds, or until smooth. (The mini-bowl that comes with a KitchenAid food processor is the perfect size for this.)
- Store: Scrape the puree into a covered container and store it in the refrigerator.
Notes
One heaping teaspoon of chipotle puree is equal to one chipotle en adobo with adobo sauce.
Stored this way, the puree keeps for up to three months in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
One heaping teaspoon of chipotle puree is equal to one chipotle en adobo with adobo sauce. Stored this way, they keep forever. I've kept them for up to three months. Normally, I use a batch in about two months, but one time I found a really large can at the local Mexican grocery...
Speaking of the Mexican grocery, Here's the brand I usually buy: La Costena Chipotle in Adobo
But I've bought lots of different brands, and they all seem to be about the same. The big advantage to buying them at the Mexican grocery is cost - they're a lot cheaper, and often available in larger cans. (Yes, I use a lot of chipotle.)
Chris Lukowski says
I highly encourage everybody to do this. Having a tub of this in the fridge is awesome when taco or chili night rolls around.
MikeV @ DadCooksDinner says
@Anonymous BJC:
Thank you! I haven't frozen the puree, because as near as I can tell, if you keep it refrigerated, it doesn't go bad. I've had it in the fridge for a couple of months, and it has never shown any signs of degradation or mold.
Anonymous says
With regard to your chipotle puree - I take it one step further by freezing "portions" in an ice cube tray and then stored in a zip-loc freezer bag once frozen. You can just pop a cube into soups, stir-fries, etc.
BJC
Medina, OH