Yesterday, I spent time ranting to you about what chipotle is not. However, I didn’t really tell you what a chipotle is. I felt it necessary to disabuse people of the notion that Tex Mex and chipotle are the same because they are in fact not.
Chipotle is essentially a “fully ripened” (that’s the politically correct term for saying the chili is left on the vine until it’s all shriveled, brown and unappetizing) smoked jalapeno pepper. It’s not quite as spicy as a jalapeno but has a very deep flavor that it lends to a dish. I’ve heard it described as “earthy spiciness.” Honestly, I’m not sure what “earthy spiciness” is but I liken it to the difference between fresh garlic and roasted garlic–the flavor is deeper and more mature. If you’re looking for something to clear your sinuses though–go with the jalapeno. (And as we learned yesterday, if you go with the jalapeno–don’t call your dish chipotle.)
Chipotle is used in a variety of forms and in this particular recipe, you’ll have to find chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. They should have them in the Mexican food aisle of your grocery store.
You will need:
8 chicken leg quarters
1 1/2 cups milk
1 cup sour cream
2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
2 tablespoons chicken bouillon granules
1 tablespoon margarine
salt to taste
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
Roast the chicken legs in the preheated oven until the skin is crispy, and the meat is cooked through, 30 to 40 minutes.
While the chicken is roasting, puree the milk, sour cream, chipotle peppers, and chicken bouillon granules in a blender until smooth. Melt the margarine in a large pan over medium heat. Pour in the chipotle puree, bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, and season with salt to taste. Add the cooked chicken legs, and simmer for about 10 minutes, until chicken has taken on the flavor of the sauce.
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Valorie Delp shares recipes and kitchen tips in the food blog, solves breastfeeding problems, shares parenting tips, and current research in the baby blog, and insight, resources and ideas as a regular guest blogger in the homeschooling blog. To read more articles by Valorie Delp, click here.
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