Can O’adobo

Ever enjoyed the smoky spice of chipotle chicken? There’s a little can of delicious you can thank for that flavor. In the “ethnic” section of most grocery stores you can purchase chipotles—smoked ripe jalapeños in adobo sauce, a flavor-packed liquid with a sweetness that is a little reminiscent of BBQ sauce. One chipotle goes a very long way, adding quite a bit of spice. The only drawback is that now you have a can of adobo sauce (and more chipotles if you didn’t use them) with no purpose. Luckily, you have options for that tasty adobo. Here are a few.

? Chipotle Rice: Add one tablespoon per cup of brown or white rice, and serve alongside a Latin-themed dinner. If you really love spice, add a chopped chipotle pepper as well.

? Spicy Carrots: Preheat your oven to 450 degrees. Peel and chop a pound of carrots. Toss with one tablespoon of olive oil, then add salt and pepper. Roast, stirring every so often, for 40 minutes. While still hot, mix with one tablespoon of adobo sauce. Try this with any vegetable you enjoy—sweet potatoes are especially delicious.

? Smoky Chili: Make your favorite chili recipe, but add one chipotle and a tablespoon or two of adobo sauce along with the onions and garlic.

? Chipotle Ketchup: Add adobo sauce to your favorite ketchup and serve with fries or top your burger with it.

? Smoked and Spiced Protein: Add adobo sauce and/or a chopped chipotle pepper to the marinade of your favorite protein—try tofu, chicken or steak.

? Kicked-Up Taco Salad: Put one tablespoon of adobo sauce in a small glass or cup with two teaspoons of canola or vegetable oil. Add the juice of one lime and whisk vigorously. Put the dressing on shredded cabbage, tomatoes and black beans. Top with crumbled tortilla chips and avocado.

? Chipotle Pizza: Drizzle adobo sauce (a few tablespoons, depending on how much you like spice) into your pizza sauce. Spread on a pizza and top with queso fresco and green onions.