Chipotle pepper puree?

[Elisabeth13]

I want to try Bobby Flay's recipe for Chinese Chicken Salad this weekend - the dressing recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of chipotle pepper puree. I've looked in a couple grocery stores now and can't seem to find it. Could I use chipotles in adobo instead?

[jphilg]

I think the answer is yes.....and you can make a couple of chipotles in adobo into puree with just one or two passes with a chef's knife. They've been through a lot by the time they get to you, and "puree" very easily.

[zackaboo]

When I made this salad, I did exactly what Jphilg suggested and it worked out just fine. It is a good salad!

[Elisabeth13]

Thanks...I thought about that after I posted this question - I suppose I could just puree the chipotles myself! Glad to hear it's good zackaboo - we've been looking for a good Chinese chicken salad recipe for a while, and most that I have tried have been just okay. I have high hopes for this one.

[patissac]

I think that chipotle's in adobo would be find, maybe even giving some a whirl in the food processor will do as a puree too.
Let us know how it turns out for you!

[Hammster]

for those who are interested. I'd think you could also use sambal or even a Lee Kum Kee chili sauce, you just wouldn't have the smoky component the chipotle adds. I find the addition of a "southwest" type ingredient interesting in this recipe. It would be a nice twist to an otherwise mild recipe. One thing I always add to my chinese chicken salad is a crunchy noodle of some kind. Either the fun to fry Mai Fun rice noodles or just the canned chow mein or rice noodles.

Chinese Chicken Salad with Red Chile Peanut Dressing Recipe courtesy Bobby Flay
Show: Boy Meets Grill
Episode: Chicken

1/4 cup rice wine vinegar
2 tablespoons smooth peanut butter
1 tablespoon chopped fresh ginger
2 teaspoons chipotle pepper puree
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey
2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
1/2 cup canola oil
Salt and freshly ground pepper
1/2 head Napa cabbage, shredded
1/2 head romaine lettuce, shredded
2 carrots, shredded
1/4 pound snow peas, julienned
1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro leaves
1/4 cup thinly sliced green onion
2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
1/2 cup chopped roasted peanuts
1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
Chili oil, optional
Grilled lime halves, for garnish

Whisk together the vinegar, peanut butter, ginger, chipotle pepper puree, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and canola oil in a medium bowl. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Combine cabbage, lettuce, carrots, snow peas, cilantro, and green onion in a large bowl. Add the dressing and toss to combine.
Transfer to a serving platter and top with the shredded chicken, chopped peanuts, and mint. Drizzle with chili oil, if desired. Garnish with grilled lime halves.

[emncar]

When I made this I just threw all the dressing ingredients into the blender to make the dressing. I think I halved the oil and it still worked. Very tasty!