chipotle

origin: Mexico
heat: 6/10

Chipotles are smoked jalapeno chillies, giving a definite heat but also a deeply smoky, savoury flavour. The flesh is thick and so the chilli is best if used in a slow-cooked dish rather than raw. Added to a soup or stew, the chipotle chillies add an almost 'meaty' depth of flavour and are really good in a vegetable based dish for this purpose.

uses: Add whole chipotles to a soup, stew, chile or in the braising liquid for meats. Superb cooked with beans or pulses.

good with: ham, beans, lentils, beef, lamb, pork, tomato, garlic, lime.