The word “chipotle” is closely associated with Mexican food, but not everyone knows that “chipotle” is a type of chili pepper, and even fewer people know the story behind this iconic staple of Mexican cuisine.
What Are Chipotle Peppers?
Chipotle peppers are chili peppers that have been dried and smoked. The typical chipotle is made using jalapeno peppers (a fact that often surprises Mexicans themselves), although other types of chili pepper (like morita or pasilla) are also used on occasion.
How Are Chipotle Peppers Made?
This is the traditional process by which jalapeno peppers become chipotle peppers:
- First, ripe red jalapeno peppers are put to dry.
- Then the peppers are placed on metal grills.
- The peppers are smoked in an oven over several days until they are completely dehydrated.
What Is the Story Behind Chipotle Peppers?
Chipotle peppers are as old as Mexican cuisine. In fact, their name comes from nahuatl, the language spoken by the Aztecs, and it combines the words chilli (pepper) and poctli (smoke), meaning “smoked pepper.”
In a country with an insatiable appetite for pepper, chipotle is one of the undisputed favorites. For example, of the total production of jalapeno in Mexico, 60% goes to the elaboration of pickled products, 20% is consumed fresh, and the remaining 20% becomes chipotle.
Mexico produces around 50 different varieties of chili peppers. We have seen how chipotle is basically dried jalapenos. Similarly, Many Mexican peppers have two names, one to refer to the fresh version, and a different one for the smoked/dried product.
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Try Our Coconut Crusted Shrimp With Chipotle Mayo!
At Chef Gourmet, we are such fans of Chipotle that have included Coconut Crusted Shrimp With Chipotle Mayo in our menu for Gourmet prepared meals.
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