Monday, December 12, 2011

Homemade Chipotle Oil - Better Red Than Dead

There’s nothing wrong with giving homemade holiday gifts, just as long as they’re something somebody would actually want and use. Thanks to things like fruitcakes so dense they have their own gravitational fields, making edible gifts has gotten a bad name, but that’s not an issue with this chipotle oil, especially if that certain someone on your gift list likes the spicy stuff.

As I mention in the video, this could work with lots of different spices, and not only does it look pretty cool, but it's a tasty and versatile addition to any foodie's pantry. Just be careful to stay away from using fresh ingredients, like garlic and green herbs.

I’m too busy (lazy) to go into detail, but if you can run into some serious food born illnesses bottling fresh ingredients, so be sure to thoroughly research any potential additions to these flavored oils. Nothing wrecks that festive holiday vibe like being charged with involuntary manslaughter. Enjoy!


Ingredients to make 2 (8-oz) bottles:
2 cups vegetable oil
2 rounded tablespoons ground dry chipotle

21 comments:

Unknown said...

What happens if you make mayonnaise with it?

Chef John said...

It will taste like it has chipotle in it.

Unknown said...

Hi Chef....how do you add 'rounded' tablespoons of oil. Is this a joke?
Yvonne

Unknown said...

How do ya make two 'rounded' tablespoons of oil?

Chris K. said...

Where did you get the cute bottles?

I have a couple batches of limoncello almost ready for the holidays, and those bottles would be perfect for it.

Josh said...

Chef John, Can dried herbs/garlic powder be used?

Chef John said...

Oops, typo! Fixed. Thanks!

Chef John said...

Chris, bought the bottle at a little grocery store called rainbow in SF.

Josh, I believe dried stuff is fine, but never tried myself.

Michelle et Abigail said...

Chef John,

Will this alter the shelf life of the oil?

Chef John said...

Not sure exactly. A long time.

Michael said...

Hello Chef!

Just wanted to say thanks! I saw it earlier today, it was ridiculously easy! While I wait I will go shopping for a bottle to put it in.

I hope you make a couple more gift ideas for the holidays!


Thanks again!

Jeff @ Cheese-Burger.net said...

This is a good idea for a holiday gift. How long is the shelf life of the oil?

Chef John said...

Just answered.

Chef John said...

Just answered.

Pam F said...

Thanks Chef John! It would be pretty to add a couple small, dried red chiles to the bottle. Maybe also make a golden curry powder oil and a green Italian herb oil (made with dried oregano, basil, thyme) and package the three together. I doubt the oil itself would get very green though. Maybe a little? Fun!

Matt said...

Hi Chef!
Just wanted to let you know that despite not making this recipe, it improved tonight's dinner. I was doing grilled (ok, broiled) skirt steak fajitas and usually do a fake-weeknight-style refried beans on the side where I sauté onion+garlic in lots of veg oil and then add rinsed canned beans, fry a bit, mash up, and stir in seasonings. After seeing this I put onion+garlic+chipotle powder in a cold pan, covered with the oil, and put it over low heat while I got other things ready. Then just upping the heat a bit until the onions/garlic were soft, adding the beans, and mashing led to the most wonderful refried beans I've ever made. And without the authentic lard! :-) Will do again. Thanks!

The Girl Behind The Camera said...

Do you think it would be safe to use other powered spices? There is a lot of fears about making garlic oils, do you suppose using garlic powder would be safer?

The Girl Behind The Camera said...

Do you think it would be safe to use other powdered spices? I know there is a lot of fear around making and saving garlic oil. Do you suppose using garlic powder would be safer?

Chef John said...

Please see comments above.

JPV said...

Thanks for this, Chef John. It seems like there's absolutely no store that sells chipotle powder where I live (hell). I was wondering if you think I could use a majority of smoked paprika powder, but also throw some canned chipotles in the food processor and add them to the oil? Thanks.

Tara said...

My mom found one of these bottles of oil that was given as a holiday gift in 1999. Do you think it's still good? It's sealed and was never opened.