Salsa de chipotle is a type of Mexican salsa that is made with chipotle peppers, which are smoked and dried jalapeño peppers.
The spiciness of the salsa can be augmented by the number of chipotle peppers used in the salsa de chipotle recipe. In most recipes, the ingredients are usually blended together in a blender or food processor until smooth. Salsa de chipotle adds a smoky kick to your meals. It’s perfect for those who love a combination of spicy and smoky flavors.
Salsa de chipotle can be used as a dip for tortilla chips or as a topping for tacos, burritos, and other Mexican dishes
Table of Contents
Background
Salsa de chipotle is a smoky, spicy sauce that originates from Mexico. Chipotles are smoked and dried jalapeño peppers, and their unique flavor adds depth and complexity to dishes.
Flavor Profile
It has a deep, smoky taste with a medium to high level of spiciness, along with a slightly tangy undertone from the tomatoes.
Equipment Required
- Blender or food processor
- Knife and cutting board
- Frying pan or pot (for roasting or cooking the ingredients)
Ingredients
- 2-3 ripe tomatoes
- 2-3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (adjust based on heat preference)
- 1 small onion, quartered
- 2 cloves garlic
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- If desired, roast the tomatoes, onion, and garlic on a pan for a deeper flavor.
- Place roasted ingredients in a blender, adding chipotle peppers and some adobo sauce.
- Blend until desired consistency is reached.
- Add salt to taste and blend again to mix.
- Adjust the heat by adding more chipotles or diluting with more tomatoes.
How to Serve Salsa de Chipotle
Serve it in a bowl alongside main dishes, or use it as a marinade for meats.
Serving Suggestions
Tacos al Pastor: Salsa de chipotle is a fantastic addition to tacos al Pastor, a traditional Mexican dish featuring marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit.
Tacos del Carbon: Salsa de chipotle works excellently as a marinade or finishing sauce for grilled chicken or steak.
Tips
- For a tangier version, add a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
- You can use fresh chipotle (though harder to find) by smoking and drying jalapeños.
Storage Ideas
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze it for longer shelf life.
Ingredients Substitutes
- Use tomatillos instead of tomatoes for a tangier version.
- If you can’t find chipotle in adobo, dried chipotle can be rehydrated in warm water. Check out this article on Mexican hot chiles.
Nutritional Information
Salsa de chipotle is low in calories but rich in vitamins from the tomatoes and chipotle peppers. The exact nutritional content will vary based on the specific ingredients and quantities used.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is it very spicy? It can be, but it’s adjustable based on the number of chipotles added.
- Can I make it creamier? Yes, mix in some Mexican crema or sour cream after blending.
Alternatives
There are a couple of other salsas that you could consider as an alternative:
- Adobo Sauce: Adobo sauce shares some similarities with salsa de chipotle in terms of smokiness and spiciness. While it might not be a salsa in the traditional sense, adobo sauce is a marinade or sauce made from chipotle peppers, tomatoes, vinegar, and various spices. It has a rich, smoky flavor and can be used similarly to salsa de chipotle in certain recipes.
- Salsa Morita: This salsa, similar to salsa de chipotle, features Morita peppers, a type of smoked and dried jalapeño pepper. Salsa Morita often contains ingredients like tomatoes, garlic, and spices, offering a smoky and moderately spicy taste that resembles chipotle-based salsas.
Conclusion
Salsa de chipotle offers a delightful mix of smokiness and heat, perfect for those who want to add a flavorful twist to their meals. Its versatility makes it a must-have in any kitchen. Enjoy your culinary adventures with this delicious salsa!
