Chorizo is a sausage that is made with meat or textured soy.
A sausage is called chorizo : that is, a tripe that is filled with meat . Chorizo is usually made with minced pork , although there are multiple varieties.
Chorizos have their origins in Spain . There the term specifically refers to the sausage that is prepared with pork , paprika and garlic , which is characterized by its reddish hue and its smoke curing process. In Latin America , such chorizo is specifically known as Spanish chorizo .
Recipes that include it
It is possible to find chorizo in multiple dishes . For many people, this is a delicious ingredient, in addition to being very versatile , and it is for this reason that it is used in many recipes in Spanish cuisine and other Spanish-speaking countries. Some of the most popular dishes that have chorizo as one of their main ingredients are:
- Asturian fabada : a typical stew from the region of Asturias, Spain, made with white beans, chorizo, blood sausage and bacon;
- Spanish tortilla : The classic Spanish tortilla, also known as potato omelette , is enriched with pieces of chorizo to add additional flavor to this delicious and popular recipe;
- Tapas : In many regions of Spain and other Spanish-speaking countries, it is common to find tapas that include chorizo as one of the main ingredients. These tapas can be chorizo in wine, inferno (cooked with hot spices), grilled or even just slices of chorizo served with bread
Grilled sausage
Grilled chorizo is the most popular in some South American countries. It is one that is not cured and that combines pork and beef . This chorizo, which cannot be eaten raw, is usually part of the barbecue ( barbecue ) along with blood sausage and various cuts of meat that are cooked on the grill .
This type of chorizo, which is also often mentioned as chorizo criollo , is used in Argentina to prepare choripán (a concept that is formed with the nouns “chorizo” and “bread” ). It is a chorizo sandwich that is traditionally served with a sauce called chimichurri , which is made with oil, vinegar, ground chili, garlic, oregano, parsley and salt.
Vegan chorizo recipe
Vegans can enjoy this chorizo recipe , which does not include any animal products. Let's see the necessary ingredients:
- 1 cup of textured soy protein (TVP) or gluten (seitan) in small pieces;
- 1 cup hot water or vegetable broth;
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari for a salty flavor;
- 2 tablespoons olive oil;
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika;
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder;
- 1 teaspoon paprika or smoked paprika;
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder;
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder;
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano;
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme;
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper;
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional);
- 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar.
In a large bowl, mix the textured soy or gluten protein with the hot water or vegetable broth and the soy sauce or tamari. Stir well and let it rest for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the spices and sauté for 30 seconds or until they begin to release their aroma. Add the hydrated textured protein and mix well so that all the pieces are coated with the spices. Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, so the flavors blend and the textured protein browns lightly.
Chorizo can be eaten hot or cold, as well as included in other recipes.
Remove from heat, add apple cider vinegar and mix well. Let the mixture cool and then blend it. Finally, form cylinders with the dough and store them in the refrigerator. They can be cooked in different ways, such as grilled, in a sauce or in a steamer.
Thief
The word chorizo can also mean "thief", according to what is indicated by the Royal Spanish Academy (RAE). Let's look at some example sentences of this meaning, which is only used in everyday speech: “Be careful with that boy, he's a chorizo,” “The chorizo entered the house through the window,” “This chorizo has already stolen from us!” too much!" .