Things to know about Chipotle Salsa.

When it comes to adding a smoky, spicy kick to your dishes, few ingredients do the job as well as chipotle chiles. These versatile peppers, renowned for their rich flavour and moderate heat, are a staple in Mexican cuisine and have found their way into the hearts (and kitchens) of food enthusiasts worldwide. These “chiles” or chilies are obviously the main ingredients for chipotle salsa, but before we start diving into ways how to incorporate the salsa into different dishes, let’s learn what precisely chipotle chiles are and what makes the salsa such a beloved condiment.

The Origin of Chipotle Chiles

The word “chipotle” originates from the Nahuatl word “chīlpōctli,” which means “smoked chili.” Chipotle chiles are, essentially, smoked and dried jalapeños. The transformation from fresh jalapeño to Chipotle involves a slow smoking process that can take several days. This process not only preserves the peppers but also imparts a distinctive smoky flavour that is both complex and irresistible.

Lesser-Known Facts About Chipotle Chiles

1. Ancient Roots: The use of smoking chiles dates back to the Aztecs, who used the method to preserve the peppers for long periods. This ancient technique has been passed down through generations and remains largely unchanged.
2. Two Main Types: There are two primary types of Chipotle chiles: Chipotle Morita and Chipotle Meco. Morita chiles are smaller, softer, and darker, with a fruitier taste. Meco chiles, on the other hand, are larger, lighter in colour, and have a more intense smoky flavour. While Morita is more common in commercial products, Meco is often preferred by traditionalists for its depth of flavour.
3. Nutritional Benefits: Chipotle chiles are rich in vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and capsaicin, the compound responsible for their spiciness. Capsaicin has been shown to have various health benefits, including pain relief, reduced inflammation, and weight loss support.

Chipotle Salsa: The perfect alternative to make your dishes standout!

Chipotle salsa is a delightful concoction that combines the smoky heat of chipotle chiles with other fresh ingredients to create a versatile sauce. It’s perfect for dipping, drizzling, or even cooking. Here’s what makes Chipotle salsa a standout:

1. The Smoky Heat: The smokiness of the chipotle chiles is the star of the show, providing a unique flavour profile that differentiates chipotle salsa from other salsas. The heat is moderate, making it accessible to those who enjoy spice without overwhelming their taste buds.
2. Versatility: Chipotle salsa can be used in a myriad of ways. It can enhance the flavour of tacos, burritos, grilled meats, and even eggs. Its robust flavour makes it a perfect marinade or a base for stews and soups.
3. Easy to Get in Canada: With Casa Bonita Fired Roasted Chipotle Salsa available in different retailers in Canada and online, there is no excuse to ensure you have it at home.

Now, in order to show you some of that versatility of chipotle salsa, we recently teamed up with our friend Lisa Dickie from Dickie’s Cooking School to come up with some fun recipes on how to use our salsa in different ways.

The first recipe Lisa prepared is a unique take on the traditional “Patatas Bravas,” a classic from Spain. These Patatas have a Mexican twist thanks to our Roasted Chipotle Salsa and the Tajin Mild Hot Sauce.

For the full recipe, you can follow this link.

Another recipe incorporating the Casa Bonita Fire Roasted Chipotle Salsa in a unique way, is the Shrimp Cocktail with a smokey cocktail sauce. This recipe is working for the summer days!

The collaboration didn’t up there, as in between the recipes above, Lisa also created a delicious marinated flank steak with a chimichurri but with our Jalapeno Salsa, which, as we mentioned above, the Chipotle Chiles are based on the Jalapenos. Check out the recipe here in the video below: