Whole Chipotle Chili Pepper

A whole chipotle chili pepper is a smoke-dried, ripe jalapeño with a smoky, spicy, and slightly fruity flavor.It can be used in various forms—whole, rehydrated, or powdered—to add depth to dishes like soups, stews, marinades, and salsas. It is a key ingredient in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine, used in both slow-cooked recipes and as a seasoning or condiment.  

Culinary uses

Soups and stews:Add to your favorite soups or stews for a smoky depth and heat. 

Marinades and rubs:Combine with other spices like cumin and garlic to create marinades for meats or as a rub for pork and chicken. 

Sauces and salsas:Rehydrate whole peppers to blend into sauces or salsas, or use canned chipotles in adobo sauce for an instant flavor boost. 

Roasting and braising:Lightly toast whole peppers on a dry skillet until fragrant, then use them in sauces or braising liquids for meats. 

Dips and spreads:Puree chipotles and mix with sour cream or mayonnaise to make a spicy dip or spread for sandwiches. 

Vegetarian dishes:Enhance the flavor of beans, lentils, and roasted vegetables. 

Desserts:Use a pinch of ground chipotle to add a surprising, balanced heat to chocolate desserts. 

Preparation

For whole peppers:Rehydrate dried chipotle peppers in hot water or broth for 15-20 minutes until they become pliable before using them in a recipe. 

For powder:Grind dried chipotles into a powder to sprinkle into dishes or rubs. 

For canned:When using canned chipotles in adobo sauce, add a spoonful or two to your dish for a quick and easy flavor boost. 

Flavor profile

Smoky:Due to the smoking process, chipotles have a distinct smoky flavor. 

Spicy:They have a medium-to-high heat level, with a Scoville rating between 2,500 and 10,000.

Earthy and slightly sweet:The flavor is also earthy, with hints of fruitiness and sweetness.