What Is Chipotle Pepper?
Chipotle is a Mexican chili made by smoking and drying ripe, red jalapeños over several days. Its name comes from the Aztec language and literally means “smoked chili.”
It has a much hotter and smokier profile than fresh jalapeños; it is sold whole and dried or canned in a tomato-and-spice sauce called adobo sauce.
Chipotle Pepper Nutrition Facts
Dried chipotle peppers provide about 280 kcal per 100 g; they are high in fiber and retain a significant amount of vitamin C despite drying. Values vary between dried and canned varieties and are approximate.
How to Use Chipotle Pepper
Chipotle pepper is used in moderate amounts as a seasoning or sauce ingredient as part of a balanced diet.
This is general information; chipotle pepper is a food and is not a substitute for medical treatment. People with a low tolerance for spicy foods are advised to consume it in moderation.
How to Choose Chipotle Peppers
Good dried chipotle peppers are dark reddish-brown, wrinkled but pliable, and have a distinct smoky smell. For canned varieties, the sauce should be dark red.
- Dried peppers should be dark reddish-brown
- They should be wrinkled but pliable, not rock-hard
- They should smell distinctly smoky, not moldy
How to Store Chipotle Peppers
Dried chipotle peppers can be stored for a long time in a sealed container in a dry, dark cupboard; after opening, canned varieties in adobo sauce should be refrigerated.
Using Chipotle Pepper in the Kitchen
Chipotle pepper is commonly used in the salsas, marinades, and stews of Mexican and Tex-Mex cooking, as well as in sauces that call for a smoky, spicy note.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are chipotle and jalapeño the same pepper?
Yes, they are the same pepper; chipotle is a ripe jalapeño that has been smoked and dried. A fresh jalapeño is unprocessed and green.
How do you use chipotle in adobo sauce?
Chop the pepper together with the surrounding sauce and add it to the dish; both the pepper and sauce contribute a smoky, spicy flavor.
Is chipotle pepper available in Türkiye?
It may be available online and at gourmet stores or specialty shops that sell Mexican products.