GRAN LUCHITO: Chipotle Paste – 100g

The smoky Mexican all-rounder that gets into everything

Gran Luchito's Chipotle Paste is the "Great Little Fighter's" knockout punch — a thick, glossy chilli paste handmade in Mexico from a secret blend of chipotle and rare Mexican chillies. One spoonful adds serious smoky depth to just about anything you cook. Warning: it's the kind of jar you end up adding to everything.

The flavour

It builds in three acts: smokiness from the slow-smoked chipotle first, then a mellow sweetness from caramelised onion and dark agave, and finally the heat kicks in. Rich, jammy and glossy, with a proper chilli punch — a little goes a long way.

How to cook with it

• Rub it straight into steak or chicken before they hit the grill.
• Stir a spoonful through chilli con carne, curries or a pot of beans.
• Cook slow 'n low with pulled pork or brisket for smoky depth.
• Spread onto fajitas, or spice up huevos rancheros of a weekend.
• Rogue move: blend with sour cream or mayo for a smoky taco sauce or dip.

In the jar

A thick, dark-red, glossy paste — jammy and concentrated rather than pourable. Made to be spooned in a little at a time and stirred, rubbed or spread.

Ingredients & Dietary

Ingredients: Blend of Mexican Chillies (of which Chipotle 7%), Safflower Oil, Onions, Dark Agave Nectar, Balsamic Vinegar, Garlic, Spirit Vinegar, Salt, Spices.

Dietary: All natural and vegan. Handmade in Mexico. Allergens — always check the physical label.

The Rub Smuggler's Verdict

If I could only smuggle one Mexican jar past the border, this'd be a contender — smoky, sweet then hot, in that order, and it turns a midweek dinner into something worth talking about. A teaspoon rubbed into steak or stirred through a chilli does the work of a whole spice rack. Handmade in Mexico, and you can taste it. — Darryl

FAQ

How hot is it? It's got a proper kick — strong heat that builds, though the smoky-sweet flavour leads. Start with a little and add to taste.

What do I actually use it for? Almost anything savoury — steak, chicken, pulled pork, chilli, tacos, fajitas, eggs, even blended into a creamy dip.

Is it vegan? Yes — all natural and vegan. Always check the physical label for the latest.