Chipotle Foods

Chipotle peppers are often used in Mexican tacos.

Chipotle is a type of dried hot chili with a very distinctive smoky flavor. It is commonly used in Mexican cuisine, particularly in "adobos" or sauces for meat. The chilies are often sold in tins or jars as well as in powdered form in grocery stores, and can be rehydrated by soaking in water if necessary. Because they are dried, it takes time for their flavor to be released, therefore slow-cooking is recommended.

Pork

Pork can be combined with chipotle in a variety of ways. Adding chipotle to shredded pork tacos adds a piquant flavor to the meat and is the most well-known way to combine the two, however other methods include slow-cooked pork with a chipotle sauce, and pork tenderloin that's been marinaded in chipotle chilies, garlic and lemon before roasting in the oven.

Beef

Beef burritos use chipotle chilies, as do quesadillas. You can also make chipotle beef stew with beef, by cooking with onion, garlic, cumin and tomato puree. This can be eaten with rice or stuffed into tortillas. A fillet steak can be given a kick by serving it with chili butter, which can be made by blending unsalted butter, lemon juice, parsley, shallots, chipotle chilies and barbecue sauce in a food processor.

Fish and Seafood

Although most people are aware of the use of chipotle chilies in meat dishes, they also taste great when combined with delicate flavored fish such as seabass, or with seafood such as lobster. Sprinkle chipotle powder over seabass steaks and grill on the barbecue; you can either cut the fish into chunks and serve in tortillas or eat the fillets whole. Lobster and shrimp can be served with a sauce made by processing chipotle chilies, garlic, lime juice, salt and olive oil.

Vegetable Dishes

Make spicy guacamole by adding chipotle; it is also a great way to make fiery dips for nachos and potato chips. Aside from sauces, it can be used to flavor vegetable stews, soups, veggie burgers and re-fried beans. You can also spice up a pasta sauce with chipotle, as it adds a smoky, hot flavor.

References

• BBC Food: Chipotle
• Simply Recipes: Chipotle Citrus Marinated Pork Tenderloin
• Epicurious: Chipotle Beef Stew