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| Chipotle Chile ~How to make Chipotle Chile. How to Smoke Jalapeño Peppers 10 lbs red jalapeños, fresh (hot) Chipotle chiles are used in many Mexican recipes. Chipotle chiles have a smoky taste. One problem is the high price of chipotle chiles in the supermarkets. Chipotles chiles are actually easy to make. In Mexico and Texas the method is to dry the chiles on a rack. A pit with tunnel is dug and the rack is placed at the opposite end. Since I have been asked I will be posting some pictures (of an actual pit) with this page at a later date. The biggest difference in the flavor of chipotle is the type hardwood you use for smoking the chile pods. In Texas they use mesquite, oak (scrub), or hickory. Pecan is also used widely, in Mexico, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. Colorado consumers are not that up to date on using chipotle chiles but are catching on fast. Try different hardwoods or fruit tree wood chips. As mentioned above Chipotle Chile is getting expensive. 1 pound of chipotle can cost between $12 and $18. 1 pound of chipotle will take about 10 pounds of fresh jalapeños. Make sure your jalapeños are hot, since it is possible to get mild jalapeños. During the chile season (in Denver) you can get Jalapeño for about $15 for ½ bushel. ½ bushel weighs about 17 - 24 pounds (depending on size). Let us know in advance so we may set aside the red jalapeños. (there is no difference in price for a red or green jalapeños) Pick over your (red) jalapeños, remove those that may be blemished. Jalapeños are best when they are no more than 3 days old and never refrigerated. Place chile pods in one layer on the rack and never over the charcoal or flames (make your charcoal fire off to one side). Keep your smoker (barbecue) on low heat (less than 200 degrees). You want to smoke and dry out the chiles, not barbecue them. Check often. The pods will be brownish in color, dry, and crisp. To create more smoke, soak the wood chips in water first. A friend of mine has a Little Chief smoker. This works really well. Store in airtight jars in a cool dry place. 10 pounds jalapeños makes about 1 pound of Chipotle Chipotle Powder Chipotle chile may be ground into a powder and used as a spice. Although it is easily made you can still purchase chipotle at your local supermarket...it's expensive. |