The spicy, smokey flavor of chipotles work extremely well in salsas, and this recipe is designed to showcase them beautifully. Use on tacos, burritos, enchiladas, or as a low-calorie salad dressing. The guide below will show you how to make chipotle salsa.
The chipotle is not actually a distinct variety of pepper--rather, it is a jalapeno pepper that has been smoked. The smoking process brings out the flavor of the jalapeno, while adding another taste dimension. Chipotles are used in hot sauce, barbecue sauce, and of course salsa. If you don't like hot food but still enjoy the flavor of chipotles, you can also smoke milder peppers, such as poblanos.
How to Clean a Chipotle Pepper
This quick video demonstrates the proper way to clean your chipotle peppers, so that you don't inadvertently bite into a stem. The host notes that seeds may be removed from the pepper for those who don't want too much heat.
Step 1: Ingredients for Chipotle Salsa
- 1 large red tomato
- 1 large tomatillo
- 5 chipotle chilis in adobo sauce, stems removed
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons fresh, chopped cilantro
- T tablespoons lime juice
- salt to taste
Step 2: How to Make Chipotle Salsa
- Heat a large skillet on medium
- Place tomato, tomatillo and garlic onto skillet
- Brown on 4 sides
- Remove from heat
- Remove stems from tomato and tomatillo
- Place tomato, tomatillo, garlic, chipotles and lime juice in blender
- Puree until just smooth
- Stir in salt and cilantro
- Refrigerate overnight
Step 3: Heat Level
Different people have different tolerance for heat, and you will want to adjust the level of your salsa to suit your (or your guests') taste. If you love to taste fire, add one or two fresh jalapenos (seeds intact). If you prefer your salsa on the mild side, use a bit less chipotle and a teaspoon or two of sugar to help subdue the heat.
