Description

This Homemade Chipotle Chili Crunch is a flavorful, spicy condiment that adds a smoky punch and delightful crunch to a variety of dishes. Made with chipotle peppers, garlic, onions, roasted sunflower seeds, and finished with fresh cilantro and lime juice, this chili crunch elevates your meals with layers of texture and bold flavors. Perfect as a topping for tacos, grilled meats, rice bowls, or even as a spicy snack enhancer.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

3-4 pieces Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce (finely chopped for even distribution)
4 cloves Garlic (minced finely)
1 medium Onion (finely diced)
2 tablespoons Sesame Oil (for sautéing)
1 cup Sunflower Seeds (roasted, added last to maintain crunch)
1 teaspoon Salt (adjust according to taste)
1 handful Cilantro (chopped, added at the end)
Juice of 1 Lime

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Instructions

Prepare Ingredients: Gather all ingredients and finely chop the chipotle peppers to ensure even distribution of flavor throughout the crunch.
Heat Sesame Oil: In a medium skillet, heat the sesame oil over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes until shimmering to prepare for sautéing the aromatics.
Sauté Onions: Add the finely diced onions to the skillet and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become translucent and soft, releasing their sweetness.
Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and continue sautéing for an additional 2 minutes, allowing its fragrance to develop without burning.
Cook Chipotle Peppers: Add the chopped chipotle peppers to the skillet and stir for 3 to 4 minutes to evenly integrate their smoky heat into the mixture.
Season with Salt: Sprinkle in the salt and adjust to taste, enhancing all the flavors harmoniously.
Add Sunflower Seeds: Mix in the roasted sunflower seeds, stirring well to combine while keeping their crunch intact.
Cool Mixture: Remove the skillet from heat and let the mixture cool for a few minutes to preserve the textures and blend flavors.
Add Fresh Elements: Gently fold in the chopped cilantro and fresh lime juice, adding brightness and freshness to the chili crunch.
Store Properly: Transfer the finished chipotle chili crunch to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator and use as a flavorful topping for various dishes.

Notes

Adjust chipotle peppers according to your preferred heat level.
Use roasted sunflower seeds for optimal crunch and toasted flavor.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container.
This chili crunch pairs well with tacos, grilled meats, rice bowls, eggs, and even as a topping for salads.
For a nuttier flavor, you can lightly toast the sesame oil before adding the onions.