How To Make Chipotle Paste At Home
Introduction
If you're a lover of spicy food, then you must have heard of chipotle paste. This paste is made from chipotle peppers, which are smoked jalapenos. It has a smoky, spicy, and slightly sweet flavor that can add depth and complexity to any dish. Chipotle paste is a popular ingredient in Mexican and Southwestern cuisine, and it can be used in marinades, sauces, dips, and spreads. While you can buy chipotle paste from the store, it's much more fun and rewarding to make it at home. You can control the heat level, adjust the flavors to your liking, and save money in the process. In this article, we'll show you how to make chipotle paste at home using simple ingredients and easy steps.Ingredients
To make chipotle paste, you'll need the following ingredients:- 10-12 dried chipotle peppers
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup water
Dried Chipotle Peppers
The star ingredient of chipotle paste is dried chipotle peppers. These peppers are made from ripe jalapenos that have been smoked and dried. You can find them in the spice aisle of your local grocery store or online. Make sure to choose peppers that are pliable and not too brittle, as they will be easier to blend.Garlic
Garlic adds a pungent and savory flavor to the paste. You can use fresh garlic or garlic powder, depending on your preference.Tomato Paste
Tomato paste adds richness and depth to the paste. It also helps to balance the heat of the chipotle peppers.Honey
Honey adds a touch of sweetness to the paste and helps to balance the acidity of the vinegar.Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar adds tanginess and acidity to the paste. You can also use white vinegar or lime juice.Smoked Paprika
Smoked paprika adds a smoky flavor to the paste. You can also use regular paprika or omit it altogether.Cumin
Cumin adds an earthy and nutty flavor to the paste. You can also use coriander or chili powder.Salt
Salt brings out the flavors of the other ingredients and helps to preserve the paste.Water
Water helps to thin out the paste and make it easier to blend. You can add more or less water depending on the consistency you prefer.Instructions
Now that you have all the ingredients, let's get started with the instructions:- Begin by removing the stems and seeds from the dried chipotle peppers. You can do this by using a pair of scissors or a knife. Be careful not to touch your eyes or skin, as the peppers can be very spicy.
- Place the peppers in a bowl and cover them with hot water. Let them soak for 15-20 minutes until they are soft and pliable.
- Drain the water and transfer the peppers to a blender or food processor.
- Add the minced garlic, tomato paste, honey, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and water to the blender.
- Pulse the ingredients until they are well combined and form a smooth paste. You may need to scrape down the sides of the blender or add more water to achieve the desired consistency.
- Taste the paste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more salt, honey, or vinegar depending on your preference.
- Transfer the chipotle paste to a jar or airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Nutrition
Chipotle paste is a low-calorie and low-fat condiment that can add flavor and nutrition to your meals. Here's a breakdown of the nutrition information for one tablespoon of chipotle paste:- Calories: 15
- Protein: 0.3g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fat: 0.2g
- Fiber: 0.8g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 79mg