Tired of the same old sandwich spread or burger topping? Craving something creamy, smoky, and bursting with flavor? Then look no further! This chipotle aioli recipe is about to become your new favorite condiment. It’s incredibly easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and elevates any dish from simple sandwiches to gourmet burgers and even roasted vegetables. Get ready to experience the magic of homemade cooking with this delicious and versatile aioli!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup mayonnaise (high-quality mayonnaise makes a difference!)
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, finely minced (plus 1 teaspoon of the adobo sauce)
- 1 small clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lime juice, freshly squeezed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Chipotle Pepper
Carefully remove the chipotle pepper from the can of adobo sauce. Finely mince the pepper, taking care to avoid getting any seeds in your eyes (they can be quite spicy!). Remember to save the adobo sauce – it adds depth of flavor!
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the mayonnaise, minced chipotle pepper, adobo sauce, minced garlic, lime juice, and cumin. Whisk everything together until it's completely smooth and well incorporated.
Step 3: Season to Taste
This is where your personal preference comes into play! Taste the aioli and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. Start with a small amount and add more as needed. Remember, you can always add more seasoning, but you can't take it away!
Step 4: Chill and Serve
For the best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the aioli for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and deepen. Enjoy!
Cooking Tips for the Best Chipotle Aioli:
- Quality Ingredients Matter: Using high-quality mayonnaise is key to a delicious aioli. Look for brands with simple, recognizable ingredients.
- Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder aioli, start with half a chipotle pepper. You can always add more later. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Fresh is Best: Freshly squeezed lime juice adds a bright, zesty flavor that elevates the entire dish.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing can incorporate too much air and make the aioli less creamy. Gentle whisking is all you need.
Variations:
- Spicy Chipotle Aioli: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few drops of your favorite hot sauce for extra heat.
- Smoky Chipotle Aioli: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika for a deeper, smokier flavor profile.
- Garlic Chipotle Aioli: Increase the amount of garlic to two cloves for a more pungent garlic flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is approximate and will vary based on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 100-120
- Fat: Approximately 10-12g
- Protein: Approximately 1-2g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 1-2g
This chipotle aioli is incredibly versatile. It's perfect as a sandwich spread, burger topping, dipping sauce for fries or vegetables, or even as a marinade for chicken or fish. Enjoy experimenting with this easy recipe and creating your own delicious variations! Share your creations with us – we'd love to see what you come up with!