How to Make Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce?

Making Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce at home is a rewarding culinary experience that allows you to customize the flavors. This smoky, spicy sauce is often used in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine and pairs well with a variety of dishes, from tacos to grilled meats.

Ingredients:

For Chipotle Peppers:

10-12 dried chipotle peppers
Boiling water for soaking

For Adobo Sauce:

1 cup tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup water
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions:

Preparing the Chipotle Peppers:

Soak the Peppers: Place the dried chipotle peppers in a heatproof bowl. Pour boiling water over them until they are fully submerged. Cover the bowl and let them soak for 30-45 minutes to rehydrate.
Drain and Slice: After soaking, drain the peppers and remove the stems and seeds. Slice them into smaller pieces if desired.

Making the Adobo Sauce:

Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a saucepan. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until translucent.
Add Spices: Add the ground cumin and dried oregano to the sautéed onion and garlic. Stir well to combine.
Add Liquids: Pour the tomato sauce, apple cider vinegar, and water. Stir to combine.
Add Sugar and Salt: Add the brown sugar and salt to the sauce. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved.
Simmer: Bring the sauce to a low simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Add Chipotle Peppers: Add the rehydrated chipotle peppers to the sauce. Stir well to ensure the peppers are fully coated.
Cook Together: Let the sauce and peppers simmer for 10-15 minutes. If the sauce is too thick, add a little water to reach your desired consistency.
Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Cool and Store: Allow the Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce to cool before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or freeze for longer storage.

Tips:

You can adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or fewer chipotle peppers.
The sauce will thicken as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems thin while cooking.
You can use this homemade Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce in recipes like tacos, enchiladas, and marinades.

Enjoy your homemade Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce!