Sometimes vegetables need a little help in the excitement department. The star of this Smoky Chipotle Herb Rub is chipotle powder, which is just smoked jalapeños ground into delicious dust. It adds this incredible smoky depth that makes vegetables taste mysteriously meaty and satisfying.

Chipotle has deep roots in Mexican cuisine, where the smoking process was originally used as a preservation method hundreds of years ago. The beauty of this blend is its versatility – if you’re cooking for spice-sensitive folks, dial back the chipotle and bump up the smoked paprika for that smoky flavor without the heat. No chipotle powder? In a pinch, you can substitute regular chili powder mixed with a drop of liquid smoke, though it’s absolutely worth hunting down the real thing for that authentic flavor.

Smoky Chipotle Herb Rub for Vegetables

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Deeply smoky Chipotle Herb Rub transforms vegetables with earthy heat and aromatic herbs, creating caramelized edges and complex flavor profiles.

• Author: Amanda MacArthur
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Yield: 4oz 1x
• Category: Sides & Sauces

Ingredients

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• 2 tablespoons chipotle powder
• 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons sea salt
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried cilantro
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon dried sage

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Instructions

1. Mix together then store in a 4oz jar

Notes

• Serving size: 1-2 tablespoons per pound of vegetables

This magical Smoky Chipotle Herb Rub will transform even the most boring vegetables into something people actually fight over! For grilled vegetables (cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, sweet potatoes – you name it), toss them in olive oil, sprinkle with the rub, and roast at 425°F until they get those crispy, caramelized edges that make vegetables irresistible.

It’s also amazing on corn on the cob – brush with butter, sprinkle with the rub, then grill or roast until slightly charred. For an impressive yet ridiculously easy vegetarian main, rub a whole head of cauliflower with olive oil and this blend, then roast until tender – it’s dramatic, delicious, and makes you look like a vegetable whisperer!

I like to serve chipotle-spiced vegetables with something cooling on the side, like a lime crema (just mix sour cream with lime juice and a pinch of salt) or slices of avocado. The contrast of smoky heat with creamy coolness is chef’s kiss perfection.

Has this Smoky Chipotle Herb Rub converted any vegetable skeptics in your house? Or maybe you’ve discovered it’s amazing on something completely unexpected? Share your smoky chipotle successes in the comments – especially if it involved getting a picky eater to actually enjoy vegetables!