Ground chorizo is a delicious and versatile sausage that can be used to add flavor to many dishes. It is a cured, smoked and spiced pork sausage, usually sold in links or in ground form. This type of sausage is popular in Latin American cuisine, but it can also be used in many different recipes. Ground chorizo is especially great for dishes that require a lot of flavor in a short amount of time, such as tacos, burritos, and enchiladas. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook ground chorizo.
Step 1: Preparing the Chorizo
The first step in cooking ground chorizo is to prepare the sausage. Before cooking, it is important to remove the casing from the sausage. To do this, use a sharp knife to cut along the length of the sausage, then peel the casing away. Once the casing has been removed, the sausage can be crumbled into small pieces using a fork. Make sure to break the sausage into very small pieces, as this will help it to cook more evenly.
Step 2: Cooking the Ground Chorizo
Once the sausage is prepared, it can be cooked. The easiest way to cook ground chorizo is in a skillet on the stovetop. Heat a tablespoon of oil in the skillet over medium-high heat, then add the crumbled chorizo. Use a wooden spoon to break up the sausage and stir it as it cooks. Cook the chorizo for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is fully cooked through and has a nice brown color. Once the chorizo is cooked, remove it from the heat and set aside.
Step 3: Adding the Chorizo to Dishes
Ground chorizo can be added to many dishes to add flavor and spice. It is great for tacos, burritos, and enchiladas. It can also be used in quesadillas, soups, and stews. The possibilities are endless! When adding the chorizo to a dish, make sure to add it at the end of the cooking process so that the flavor is not lost. The chorizo should be added just minutes before the dish is ready to be served.
Step 4: Storing the Chorizo
Once the chorizo has been cooked, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Make sure to store the cooked chorizo in an airtight container. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze the chorizo, place it in a freezer-safe container and store it in the freezer. When ready to use, thaw the chorizo in the refrigerator overnight.
Step 5: Serving Suggestions
When serving ground chorizo, there are many creative ways to do so. For tacos or burritos, serve the chorizo with other toppings such as lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and sour cream. For quesadillas, serve the chorizo with guacamole and salsa. For soups and stews, add the chorizo at the end of the cooking process for an extra burst of flavor.
Conclusion
Ground chorizo is a flavorful and versatile sausage that can be used in many dishes. To cook the chorizo, start by removing the casing, then cook it in a skillet with a tablespoon of oil. It can be added to tacos, burritos, quesadillas, soups, and stews. Make sure to store any leftover chorizo in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer. There are many creative ways to serve ground chorizo, so get creative and enjoy!