Chipotle Chiles in Adobo Sauce vs Chipotle Powder

What Are Chipotle Chiles?

Chipotle chiles are smoked jalapeños. They can be found in the spice aisle as whole dried chiles or ground into chipotle chile powder.

Chipotle chiles can also be found in small tins in a vinegar-based tomato sauce called adobo. These small tins contain six to eight chile peppers plus the sauce.

Are chipotle chiles gluten free?

Yes, many brands are naturally gluten free but always check the ingredient label. For reasons we will never understand, there always seems to be one brand somewhere that contains wheat.

La Costena brand chipotle chiles in adobo sauce is gluten free (at the time of writing).

Organize for Success

I have a label maker and I love it. Labeling food will decrease food waste and keep your fridge and cupboard organized.

Where can I buy chipotle chiles in adobo sauce?

This specialty item can be found in Mexican and Latin American specialty shops and well-stocked grocery stores. Of course you'll find them on Amazon too.

Where can I buy dried chipotle chile powder?

Dried chipotle chiles are also sold whole or ground. It can be found in bottles in the spice aisle at many grocery stores. The bottle should contain pure ground chipotle chiles so would be naturally gluten free. (But always read the label.)

I have never bought the whole dried chiles but I do have ground chipotle powder in my spice cupboard. Add it to a dry rub or in a marinade, in mayo to slather on corn-on-the-cob or anywhere you want to add the smokiness of chipotle chile peppers.

Chipotle chile powder vs chili powder

There are a lot of varieties of chiles. The old-fashioned chili powder your mother and grandmother probably used, and you may very likely have some too, is different.

Growing up we ate a lot of chili, a one-pot meal of meat and beans. In this case the word chili refers to both the spice in the dish and the dish itself. This type of chili powder is often a combination of different spices and I do not know what type of chile it might contain. Regardless, it is neither hot nor smoky but it is right there in the spice aisle. Know what you are looking for before you go shopping.

Homemade Chipotle Mayo

Homemade mayo is silky smooth and decadent. The addition of smoky jalapeno peppers takes it to another level. If you like mayonnaise you must make homemade chipotle mayo.

Real mayonnaise is the result of a magic process combining egg yolks with oil. It's simple to make using a hand blender or food processor. The basic recipe can be flavoured with roasted garlic, roasted red peppers, chipotle chile peppers or anything you've read on a restaurant menu or seen on food shows.

If you're looking for a fun Friday night project with a friend, make regular or sweet potato fries and homemade chipotle chile mayo. Put your mayo in a squeeze bottle and watch it disappear.

Recipes Using Chipotle Chiles

Spice up your life with the smoky flavour of chipotles!

• Avocado Chipotle Sauce can be used like guacamole but don't limit yourself.
• It would not be summer without this Grilled Shrimp Martini, preferably served on a dock!
• Grilled Flank Steak with Chipotle Honey Sauce is on my list as soon as BBQ season begins.
• In the winter the aroma in the kitchen from these Braised Short Ribs in Coffee Ancho Chile Sauce is worth the effort!
• Add some chipotle powder or puree to the dressing for this Southwestern Quinoa Salad. If you've got chipotle mayo in a squeeze bottle them squeeze away!
• Chipotle powder or the puree will add some kick to any homemade chili recipe.
• My Corn with Feta and Lime starts by slathering a spicy mayo on the hot cobs of corn. Substitute chipotle powder in this recipe to add both heat and smoke. Be sure to include the feta and lime for the best corn dish you will make this summer!
• After corn with feta and lime, try Grilled Corn on the Cob with Chipotle Butter because you've got to make all the recipes while corn is at it's peak.
• Add some zip to my basic cornbread recipe with the addition of grated cheddar cheese and a blob of pureed chipotle chiles in adobo sauce.