Pati Jinich, the celebrated chef, cookbook author, and host of the popular television show “Pati’s Mexican Table,” shares a deep connection with her Mexican heritage through her culinary creations. One of the cornerstones of her cooking and a staple in her household is chipotles in adobo sauce. Jinich’s family consumes an impressive three to four 28-ounce cans of this flavorful ingredient every week. In a recent interview, Jinich revealed why chipotles in adobo sauce are indispensable in her kitchen and how they contribute to her delicious and authentic Mexican dishes.
A Versatile and Essential Ingredient
Chipotles in adobo sauce are a pantry staple in the Jinich household for their versatility and unique flavor profile. These smoky, spicy, and tangy peppers can elevate a wide range of dishes. Jinich explains, “We use them for deep-fried beans, we use them for soups, for stews, for Mexican-style pasta, for quesadillas, tacos.” This ingredient’s ability to infuse dishes with a rich, smoky heat makes it an essential component of Jinich’s cooking.
One of the reasons Jinich’s family goes through so many cans of chipotles in adobo sauce is their frequent use in a variety of dishes. From breakfast to dinner, these peppers find their way into numerous meals. Whether it’s adding depth to a hearty bean stew or giving a smoky kick to a pasta sauce, chipotles in adobo sauce are a go-to ingredient for Jinich. Their bold flavor enhances the taste of even the simplest dishes, making them a favorite in her culinary repertoire.
Incorporating Chipotles in Adobo Sauce into Everyday Meals
For home cooks looking to experiment with chipotles in adobo sauce, Jinich offers practical advice on incorporating this ingredient into everyday meals. She emphasizes that having a few staple items on hand can make cooking with chipotles in adobo sauce effortless. “You can make a pot of rice, reheat some refried beans or make beans in advance, so you have that. All you need to do is heat and then add flour or corn tortillas,” she suggests. These simple preparations can serve as the foundation for creating delicious and satisfying meals.
One of Jinich’s favorite ways to use chipotles in adobo sauce is in tacos. Tacos are a versatile and crowd-pleasing option, perfect for both casual family dinners and entertaining guests. Jinich recommends making a big pot of carnitas, barbacoa, or chicken tinga, which can be prepared ahead of time and served with tortillas and various toppings. “Tacos are simple, fun, and easy, and people will always be happy with tacos no matter what,” she says. The smoky heat of chipotles in adobo sauce adds an authentic Mexican flavor to these dishes, making them a hit with family and friends.
Hosting Tips and Pantry Staples
In addition to sharing her love for chipotles in adobo sauce, Jinich offers valuable hosting tips for beginner cooks. She emphasizes the importance of having something to eat and drink ready when guests arrive. “When your friends come, you don’t want to get stressed by thinking that they’re waiting for you to have things ready, so even if you just have some guacamole and chips, plantain chips, or a small cheese board,” she advises. Having simple, ready-to-serve snacks ensures that guests feel welcome and comfortable while the host finishes preparing the main meal.
For beverages, Jinich suggests having a big pitcher of margarita mix ready in the refrigerator. This allows hosts to quickly serve fresh margaritas to their guests, adding a festive touch to the gathering. By having a few key items prepared in advance, hosts can enjoy the company of their guests without feeling overwhelmed by last-minute preparations.
Jinich’s pantry staples extend beyond chipotles in adobo sauce. She highlights the importance of having extra-virgin olive oil, sherry vinegar, and good-quality pasta on hand. “I recommend a bronze-cut type so that it’s craggy on the outside and it can grab onto more sauce. It’s worth the extra money, in my opinion,” she notes. These ingredients form the foundation of many of her dishes and contribute to the rich flavors and textures that define her cooking.
Embracing Mexican Heritage Through Food
Jinich’s passion for Mexican cuisine is deeply rooted in her heritage. Her partnership with Gran Centenario, a renowned tequila brand, reflects her commitment to sharing the culture and traditions of Mexico. “I have built my career around sharing the Mexico that I love and miss. I come from Mexico, my family comes from Mexico, and I’ve lived in the U.S. for over 20 years, and I love building bridges between countries and communities,” she shares. This dedication to preserving and promoting Mexican culture is evident in every dish she creates.
Tequila, a symbol of Mexican heritage, plays a significant role in Jinich’s culinary endeavors. She enjoys using it in both drinks and recipes, appreciating its versatility and rich flavors. One of her favorite tequila cocktails is the Charro Negro, made with Gran Centenario Tequila Plata, Coca-Cola, and a drop of lime or lemon juice. She also loves incorporating tequila into desserts like crepas de cajeta, where a splash of tequila adds a beautiful echo to the sweet flavors.
Conclusion
For Pati Jinich, chipotles in adobo sauce are more than just a pantry staple—they are a symbol of her Mexican heritage and a key ingredient in her culinary creations. Their smoky, spicy flavor enhances a wide range of dishes, making them a versatile and essential component of her cooking. By sharing her love for chipotles in adobo sauce and offering practical tips for incorporating them into everyday meals, Jinich invites home cooks to explore the rich and vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine. Through her passion for food and culture, she continues to build bridges between Mexico and the U.S., celebrating the traditions and flavors that make Mexican cuisine so beloved.
