Chipotle Peppers and Powder – August Featured Ingredient

Seems like everywhere you turn these days a recipe contains some type of chile pepper. One of the most popular is Chipotle Peppers and Powder – August Featured Ingredient. But with all those recipes making reference to adding chile peppers to your recipes, do you know how to use them or what to look for when purchasing. When do you use dried peppers, powder, or canned varieties? Keep on reading to learn the many uses of one of my favorite chile peppers, Chipotle Peppers and Powder – August Featured Ingredient.

Chipotle Peppers and Powder – August Featured Ingredient

First of all, Chipotle peppers are smoked dried jalapeno peppers which can be soaked in water to soften and then chopped before adding to a recipe. Considered to have a fruity aroma Chipotle’s lend a medium level of heat to any dish like salsas and sauces. Most often the dried peppers are red or almost black in color. But I have found them lighter in color as pictured below. Canned Chipotle peppers in Adobo sauce were used in my Spicy Chipotle Tomato Salsa.

Chipotle Peppers and Powder – August Featured Ingredient

Smoked dried peppers can be ground to make Chipotle chile powder. Powder makes it easy to add to marinades or in recipes like my Quick Chipotle Baked Beans. The powder gives the beans a smokey flavor with a little heat on the tongue. The powder allows you to taste and add just the right amount for you and your family. I like mine rather spicy as these beans are delicious with burgers, barbecued chicken or pork chops. Did you know you can use Chipotle chile powder in desserts? If not, try my Slow Cooker Chipotle Hot Fudge Brownies.

Furthermore, Chipotle Peppers and Powder – August Featured Ingredient are available in canned form and the canned variety contains Adobo sauce. This flavorful sauce can be used in making sauces and marinades along with adding to your favorite chili or soup recipe. Carefully add a little at the time if you’re not familiar with this peppers heat profile. However, I believe you’ll love what the peppers do to enhance the taste of your favorite chili or soup. Experiment a little as I know you’ll be glad you did and many smiles will be present at the dinner table.

Chipotle Peppers and Powder – August Featured Ingredient

Now where can I purchase Chipotle peppers and powder you ask? I would first look in the Latin, Hispanic or Mexican sections in your local market. Canned Chipotle Peppers in Adobo are definitely in those aisles as you should find smoked dried peppers there as well. Dried peppers are usually in a section of their own as you’ll see other varieties of peppers available. Chipotle chile powder at times can be hard to find yet is available online. Penzeys is the online spice store I shop when I can’t seem to find something at my local market. You don’t need much of this spice as a result a little goes a long way. My pantry is never without Chipotle chile powder and peppers whether dried or canned.

Let me know your thoughts on my August featured ingredient. Try my recipes incorporating this wonderful pepper. If you’ve used Chipotle’s in any form share your ideas, too. I’m always looking for new ways to incorporate this smoky, fruity ingredient into more recipes and I bet you will as well. An awesome versatile ingredient to keep on hand.

Chipotle Peppers and Powder – August Featured Ingredient