Are you a fan of spicy food? Do you love adding a little heat to your dishes?
Then you’ve probably heard of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. These smoky, flavorful peppers are a staple in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine, but just how spicy are they?
In this article, we’ll explore the heat level of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, how to use them in your cooking, and some tips for making them less spicy if you’re not a fan of too much heat.
So grab a glass of milk (just in case) and let’s dive in!
How Spicy Is Chipotle Peppers In Adobo Sauce?
Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce are made from ripe, red jalapeño peppers that have been dried and smoked. On the Scoville Heat Index, which measures the spiciness of peppers, chipotle peppers typically range between 2,500 and 8,000 SHU (Scoville Heat Units).
To put that in perspective, sweet banana peppers have a SHU of 0, while habanero peppers can range from 100,000 to 350,000 SHU. So while chipotle peppers are definitely spicy, they fall somewhere in the middle of the heat spectrum.
It’s important to note that the level of spiciness can vary depending on factors such as climate, soil, and ripeness. Most chipotle peppers are made from overripe jalapeños, which tend to be hotter than their less ripe counterparts.
When using chipotle peppers in adobo sauce in your cooking, it’s best to start with a small amount and add more to taste. A little goes a long way, and it’s easy to make a dish too spicy if you’re not careful.
If you’re not a fan of too much heat, there are ways to make chipotle peppers in adobo sauce less spicy. Mixing them with cream cheese, mayo, hummus, or tahini can help mellow out the heat while still retaining the smoky flavor.
What Are Chipotle Peppers In Adobo Sauce?
Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce are a staple ingredient in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine. They are made from ripe, red jalapeño peppers that have been dried and smoked, then canned in a sauce called adobo. The adobo sauce is made from a blend of tangy tomatoes and spices, including garlic, vinegar, and other fiery spices.
The smoking process gives the peppers a distinctive smoky flavor that adds depth and complexity to any dish. The adobo sauce adds a sweet and tangy flavor that balances out the heat from the peppers.
Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce are versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, including soups, stews, sauces, marinades, burgers, and barbecue. They add a smoky heat to any recipe and can be used as a solo seasoning or mixed with other ingredients for added flavor.
It’s important to note that chipotle peppers in adobo sauce are spicy, but they fall somewhere in the middle of the heat spectrum on the Scoville Heat Index. The level of spiciness can vary depending on factors such as climate, soil, and ripeness. It’s best to start with a small amount when using them in your cooking and add more to taste.
Scoville Scale: How Spicy Are Chipotle Peppers?
The Scoville Scale is a measurement of the spiciness of peppers, named after its creator, American pharmacist Wilbur Scoville. Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce typically range between 2,500 and 8,000 SHU on the scale, making them medium-hot.
To give some context, jalapeño peppers fall within the same overall range as chipotle peppers on the Scoville Scale, but they typically have a lower heat level than chipotles. Ancho peppers, another popular dried pepper, are much milder than chipotles, with a range of only 1,000 to 1,500 SHU.
While chipotle peppers are hotter than ancho peppers, they are still relatively mild compared to other peppers like cayenne (30,000-50,000 SHU), habanero (100,000-350,000 SHU), and ghost peppers (approximately 800,000 to one million SHU).
It’s important to note that removing the seeds and veins from chipotle peppers can reduce their spiciness. However, since the adobo sauce is made from pureed chipotle peppers (including seeds and veins), it will still pack a spicy punch in recipes.
Using Chipotle Peppers In Adobo Sauce In Your Cooking
Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce can add a delicious smoky and spicy flavor to a variety of dishes. Here are some tips for using them in your cooking:
1. Start with a small amount: As mentioned above, chipotle peppers can be quite spicy, so it’s best to start with a small amount and add more to taste. A single pepper can be enough to add flavor to a dish, depending on the recipe.
2. Use the adobo sauce: Don’t forget about the flavorful adobo sauce that comes with the peppers! It can be used in place of other sauces or added to marinades for an extra kick.
3. Mix with other ingredients: If you’re not a fan of too much heat, mix the chipotle peppers with cream cheese, mayo, hummus, or tahini to mellow out the spiciness while still enjoying the smoky flavor.
4. Add to sauces and dips: Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce can be added to pre-made sauces and dips for an easy upgrade in flavor. Simply chop up the peppers and stir them into your favorite sauce or dip.
5. Freeze for later use: If you don’t use all of the peppers and sauce at once, freeze them for later use. Puree the mixture in a food processor and spoon it into an ice cube tray. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a Ziplock bag and store in the freezer until needed.
Incorporating chipotle peppers in adobo sauce into your cooking can add a delicious and unique flavor to your dishes. With these tips, you can enjoy their smoky spiciness without overwhelming your taste buds.
Tips For Making Chipotle Peppers Less Spicy
If you find that your dish is too spicy after adding chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, don’t worry, there are ways to tone down the heat. Here are some tips:
1. Add dairy: The capsaicin in chipotle peppers is what gives them their heat. Adding dairy products like sour cream or cream cheese can help neutralize the heat and add a creamy texture to your dish.
2. Sweeten it up: Just like with other spicy dishes, adding a little bit of sweetness can help balance out the heat of chipotle peppers. Try adding a touch of honey, brown sugar, or maple syrup to your dish.
3. Dilute with liquid: Adding more liquid to your dish can help dilute the spiciness of chipotle peppers. Consider adding more broth or canned tomatoes to your recipe.
4. Serve with starch: Pairing your spicy chipotle dish with a neutral starch like rice, pasta, or bread can help temper the heat.
5. Use acid: Acidic ingredients like vinegar or citrus juice can cut through the heat of chipotle peppers and add brightness to your dish.
Remember that a little bit of chipotle pepper in adobo sauce goes a long way, so start small and add more to taste. And if all else fails, don’t be afraid to start over and try again with a smaller amount of peppers.
Recipes Featuring Chipotle Peppers In Adobo Sauce
Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce are a versatile ingredient that can add a smoky and spicy flavor to a variety of dishes. Here are some recipes that feature chipotle peppers in adobo sauce:
1. Chipotle Chicken Tacos: Marinate chicken in a mixture of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, lime juice, and garlic. Grill or bake the chicken, then serve in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings such as avocado, cilantro, and diced tomatoes.
2. Chipotle Black Bean Soup: Sauté onions, garlic, and bell peppers in a pot until softened. Add canned black beans, chicken or vegetable broth, and chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. Simmer until the flavors have melded together, then blend until smooth. Serve with a dollop of sour cream and some chopped cilantro.
3. Chipotle Aioli: Mix mayonnaise with finely chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, lime juice, and garlic. Use as a dip for fries or veggies, or spread on sandwiches or burgers.
4. Chipotle Sweet Potato Fries: Cut sweet potatoes into thin fries and toss with olive oil and salt. Bake in the oven until crispy, then sprinkle with chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a spicy kick.
5. Chipotle BBQ Sauce: Mix ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and finely chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. Use as a glaze for grilled meats or as a dipping sauce for chicken nuggets.
