The Spice Train

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Recipes with Chipotle Peppers

Here you’ll find a collection of delicious recipes with chipotle peppers. Some call for chipotle powder, like this flavorful chuck roast rub. Others are made with canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, like this smoky shrimp and sausage pasta with tomato sauce.

What are chipotle peppers?

Chipotle peppers are ripe (i.e. red) jalapeño peppers that have been smoked and dried. The dried peppers are either ground into chipotle powder or stewed with a tomato-based sauce and canned. The canned peppers are sold as chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. Each can usually contains 7 ounces (which is 6 to 8 chipotle peppers, plus adobo sauce). Once you've opened a can, I recommend to transfer its contents to a glass jar. (Don't use a plastic container because it will stain.) You can store the peppers in the sauce in the fridge for up to a month.

Are chipotle peppers hot?

Yes, chipotle peppers are quite hot. Their spiciness is comparable to that of fresh, green jalapeño peppers.

How to cook with chipotle peppers:

Whether you use them powdered or canned, chipotle peppers add a delicious, spicy and smoky flavor to any dish. Below you find some great ways to use chipotle peppers, from this chipotle sauce recipe for chicken to this oven-baked pulled chicken recipe.