Chipotle-Chili Paste For Smoking

Directions

1. 1
   Split the peppers down the middle.
2. 2
   Put the garlic cloves over direct heat, either a gas burner or balanced on the grate of a grill.
3. 3
   Using a cast iron griddle, preheated on the grill or cooktop, place the split peppers skin side down.
4. 4
   Roast until skin is brown and getting crisp, but not so long they burn.
5. 5
   Turn peppers over.
6. 6
   Roast for about another 5 minutes. The garlic should be getting softened by now, with the skin burning off and some charred places on the cloves.
7. 7
   Remove peppers and garlic from heat.
8. 8
   Soak peppers in water to cover for about 10 minutes.
9. 9
   Put chipotles, with sauce, in blender. Add the soaked peppers, with water.
10. 10
    Add the garlic, after peeling it, and then pour in the oil.
11. 11
    Puree until a thick paste forms.
12. 12
    Don't, please, stick your nose down into the blender to see if it is sufficiently pureed. The fumes will make you cough and sneeze, at the least.