Vegan Chipotle Dip

Today, we’re diving into a spicy and savory homemade Vegan Chipotle Dip. My husband is obsessed with this dip (and let’s be honest, so am I)! It’s got the perfect bit of spice and is great for so many things. Vegan or non-vegan, you’re going to love this chipotle dip!

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We first started buying Chipotle Bitchin’ Sauce at Costco and fell in love! Then I, of course, had to try and make it myself. I followed the ingredient label and adjusted the measurements to get a good consistency. 

This dip (or sauce if you prefer) is super versatile! We put it on our grain bowls, dip with crackers or tortilla chips, thin it out to use as a taco salad dressing. I am all about that multi-purpose life!

One thing to note, you do not have to soak the almonds overnight before blending, but it may be a little bit easier on your blender if you do. I rarely do, because I don’t plan ahead very well (when we need our dip, we need it now!). Let’s start by laying out the ingredients. I try to add everything in weight as well as measurements because I think scales are much easier and require less dishes, but I understand that, unless you bake a lot (which I do), scales are usually aren’t a thing. 

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup water (150g)
• 1/2 cup raw almonds (80g)
• 1/4 cup olive oil or avocado oil (50g)
• 2 cloves garlic (6g)
• 1/4 cup onion (dried or fresh) (25g)
• 1-2 chipotles in adobo sauce
• juice from one large lemon
• 2 tsp. coconut aminos (8g)
• 1 tsp. apple cider vinegar (3g)
• 1/2 tsp. kosher salt or to taste
• 1/2 tsp. cumin (2g)
• 1/2 tsp. chili powder (2g)
• 1/4 tsp. paprika (1g)
• 3 tbsp. nutritional yeast (20g), optional

Instructions

• Step 1: Soak almonds. Start by soaking your raw almonds overnight. This process softens them, making it easier to blend into a creamy consistency. However, you can skip this step and use them as it. 
• Step 2: Strain and rinse soaked almonds
• Step 3: Add all ingredients to a food processor or high speed blender until the mixture is smooth and creamy. 
• Step 4: Adjust flavors and thickness until you reach desired consistency. Blend once more to combine.
• Step 6: Transfer your vegan chipotle dip to a clean, airtight container and refrigerate for at least an hour. Allowing the flavors to meld together enhances the taste significantly.

Keep and enjoy for up to 7 days (I doubt it will last that long!)

How to Reduce Waste with Vegan Chipotle Dip

One of the keys to my homestead kitchen is striving toward a zero waste environment. Although that’s not always possible, my goal is to make whatever I can from scratch in my kitchen in order to ensure whole food ingredients, reduced waste, reduced cost, and that we keep it simple. Below, I will walk you through each ingredient and how I reduce waste.

• Almonds: You do not need to peel your almond skins, so there is no waste here as long as you buy your almonds in bulk and bring your own container. For buying in bulk, I like to go to my local grocery store or specialty food store (you can get raw almonds in bulk at Whole Foods). I do realize there are areas that won’t have such a convenience. In that case, you can order online from Costco or Azure Standard for your bulk necessities. Although this won’t eliminate packaging, it can still be cost effective.
• Bottled ingredients: Each of the bottled ingredients can be made at home. Starting with olive oil, you’ll need a cheesecloth, funnel, food processor, and some olives. For the coconut aminos, you’ll need some coconut sap, sugar, and nectar as well as garlic and a blender. And for the apple cider vinegar you’ll need water, sugar, a glass vessel, and some apples. If you opt for store bought, think about how the containers can be re-used or properly recycled. Some bulk stores have dispensers where you can refill your own bottle. This would be a specialty bulk food store. The Whole Foods in my area does not have this, but we do have a local bulk store that does (if you’re in the Ann Arbor area, check out By The Pound!).
• Lemon: There are many things I like to do with a lemon after it’s been juiced. Try throwing it into a glass jar with vinegar for a cleaning solution (let it sit for a few weeks before using). I like to zest my lemon before using so that I can either use the peel fresh or dry it out for later use. Check out this article on home uses for lemon. You can also blend up your lemon peels as part of an immunity bomb alongside ginger, turmeric, and other goof stuff!
• Garlic and onion: I love using these scraps to make a homemade vegetable broth and finally composted. 
• Chipotle in adobo sauce. This is something fairly easy to make at home. Alternatively, you can buy from the store and most will carry it. However, you will end up with a can that should be properly recycled or up-cycle for future use. 
• Nutritional yeast: Listed as optional in the recipe. The Bitchin’ Sauce ingredients include nutritional yeast, but I have both used and omitted this and it didn’t alter the flavor for me. Typically, nutritional yeast lends a nice cheesy flavor, however I tend to stay away from commercial yeast. If you decide to include this ingredient, here are a few options. You can buy it at your local grocery store, usually a place like Whole Foods or a health food store. I’m not sure if nutritional yeast can be made at home, so here is a recipe that can be used as a substitute and made at home with only two ingredients.

Versatility of Vegan Chipotle Dip

Now that your homemade Chipotle Dip is ready, the possibilities are endless! Here are a few ideas to get started:

• Dip Away: Perfect as a dip for fresh vegetables, tortilla chips, or pita bread. Its creamy and spicy and will elevate any snack time.
• Spread the Love: Use it as a spread for sandwiches, wraps, or burgers. It adds a unique and zesty kick to your favorite lunchtime treats.
• Marinades and Grilling: Marinate your meats, tofu, or vegetables with this sauce before grilling. The smoky chipotle flavor will infuse your dishes with a deliciously bold taste.
• Salad Dressing: Thin it out with a bit of olive oil or water and use it as a spicy salad dressing. Your mundane salads will transform into vibrant, flavorful bowls of goodness.

The beauty of homemade sauces lies in their adaptability. Feel free to experiment with the spice levels, add different herbs, or tweak the consistency to match your taste buds perfectly. Happy cooking!

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