Spicy Chipotle Mayonnaise

1. In a small bowl combine the mayonnaise, chipotle peppers, green onion, cilantro, lime juice, and garlic; blend well. Cover and refrigerate until serving time.

2. Use this mayonnaise as a dip or burger topping or sandwich spread instead of mayonnaise.

Tips

Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce are sold in a can and are readily available in the Mexican food aisle of the supermarket. Chipotle chiles are actually dried and smoked jalapenos and adobo is a red sauce with a slightly sweet and tangy flavor. It is the paprika and tomato puree that imparts the red hue, while vinegar and sugar provide the tang and sweet.

When chopping the green onion, which is also called a scallion, use only the white and light green parts. You can incorporate any dark green leaves as long as they are not too fibrous and tough. To get the most juice from a lime, bring it to room temperature and then roll it on the countertop, applying gentle pressure, before using. This will loosen up the membranes and release more liquid when squeezing the citrus. To mash the garlic into a paste, use the flat side of a large knife, pressing against the garlic and then swiping to the side until it becomes smooth and uniform.

In addition to using flavored mayos as dips and sandwich spreads, they are also a quick way to spruce up a potato or chicken salad, and a delicious topping for poached or grilled fish.

Other Flavored Mayonnaise Recipes

Once you have a jar of plain mayonnaise, it is simple to turn it into a spread or dip with loads of flavor. Simply add some fresh herbs and little Dijon mustard for mayo with a bit of zip and color, or lemon juice and capers for the perfect accompaniment to fish. Add a bit of hot sauce for a nice kick, or Creole seasonings for mayonnaise with personality. A roasted red pepper mayonnaise can be made with homemade or jarred roasted peppers, and garlic and cilantro mayonnaise are wonderful as a dip and perfect on pulled pork arepas.