It’s safe to say that South Africans enjoy their fair share of spicy food, you only need to think of our long history of Indian and Cape Malay curries, or our penchant for peri-peri sauce (yes, flame-grilled chicken, we’re looking at you) to know that spices and chilli peppers form part of our much-loved cuisine. It also explains why more Mexican-infused foods and peppers like Chipotle are making inroads into our culinary landscape, and as leading suppliers of the best quality meat Cape Town and Johannesburg have on offer, N1 likes to stay on top of all things foodie!
Chipotle peppers, which in a nutshell are smoke-dried ripe jalapeño chilli peppers have a long and interesting history, and they have become increasingly popular around the world in recent years. The word "chipotle" comes from the Nahuatl word "chilpoctli," which means "smoked chilli pepper." Chipotle peppers have been a staple ingredient in Mexican cuisine for centuries and were first used by the Aztecs in the 16th century. They were commonly used to add flavour and heat to dishes like stews, soups, and sauces.
Typically grown in Mexico and Central America, although they can also be grown in other parts of the world with a suitable climate, the process of growing and harvesting chipotle peppers involves several steps. Traditionally when making chipotles, jalapeños are left on the plant as long as possible, until they are deep red and beginning to dry out. They are then harvested at the end of the growing season, in the early fall (though many modern farmers grow their chillies in greenhouses for multiple harvests throughout the season). As has been done since pre-Aztec Mexico, they are always placed inside a smoking chamber heated by a firebox and smoked for several days. Once dry, chipotles become wrinkled and obtain their dull, deep brown colour. After smoking, the peppers are typically stored in airtight containers until they are ready to be used in recipes. They can be sold whole or ground into a powder, depending on the intended use.
Chipotle peppers are not yet commonly used in traditional South African cuisine, however, with the increasing popularity of Mexican-inspired cuisine they’re starting to make an appearance and they are often used in dishes like tacos, burritos, and enchiladas, as well as in sauces and marinades.
Whether you’re a fan of Mexican cuisine or just love spicy, smoky flavours, chipotle is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. So next time you're cooking up a storm in the kitchen, consider adding some chipotle or some of N1’s frozen chilli - we’re not only suppliers of the best Halaal meat South Africa has to offer, we also offer a wide array of frozen herbs and other frozen products - to your recipe for an extra kick of flavour!
