How to store chipotle chilies in the refrigerator

I’ve mentioned a few times on Instagram (and maybe here too?) that I took the advice of a reader and have been storing my chipotle chilies in the fridge instead of the freezer.

You guys have had some questions about that, though, so I thought a small post devoted to chipotles was in order.

What are chipotle chilies?

They’re spicy little peppers which are commonly sold in a small can, packed in adobo sauce.

My Aldi just started carrying these (near the tortillas), and you can also find them in the ethnic food aisle at your regular grocery store.

Chipotles in adobo sauce have a slightly sweet and smoky flavor to them, which means they add a very different flavor to a dish than, say, jalapenos.

I’m kind of in love with them.

How do you use chipotles?

I use them in recipes like chicken enchiladas and chipotle chicken kebabs.

I also mix them with sour cream to make a spicy topping for enchiladas or tacos, and I mix them with mayonnaise to make a spicy spread for cold sandwiches or for paninis.

Usually, recipes call for chopped chipotles, and since they’re pretty hot, a little goes a long way.

If you used a whole can in one dish, your mouth would be engulfed in flames, so that’s why it’s good to have a way to store the extra chilies.

How do you prepare them for fridge storage?

I open the can and dump the contents into my food processor, which I run until the chipotles are pretty much pureed.

Then I pour the whole mess into a little glass jar and keep it in my fridge.

The great thing about this method is that the chilies are chopped ahead of time, which makes them super handy to use in recipes.

Plus, since they’re so finely chopped, you don’t end up getting a big bite of chipotle when you sit down to eat your finished dish.

Don’t the chipotles go bad?

I’ve never had a batch go bad before.   There’s salt and vinegar in the canned chilies, and I think that helps preserve the pureed mixture.   I find that it’s a lot like storing BBQ sauce or ketchup…the shelf life in the fridge is really long.

That said, I love chipotles so much, I’ve never had a jar in my fridge for more than two months.

Alrighty.   I think that’s about all there is to say about chipotles!   Of course, if you have more questions, ask away in the comments, and I’ll answer.