There is no sausage out there that can pack a punch of a flavor quite like chorizo sausage can. This Mexican cuisine favorite is one that has been around for a long time. It is used in many dishes, but tends to truly shine when it is combined with eggs for a Mexican breakfast. Beyond that, it can be found in soups, tacos and other Mexican dishes as well. You may be wondering what the difference between chorizo and other sausages is. Eddie’s Mexican Restaurant is here to talk a bit about chorizo and what sets it apart from other types of sausage.
What is Chorizo Made Of?
The ingredients that make up chorizo can vary slightly from region to region, but by in large you will be able to find the following ingredients in a good chorizo sausage:
– Meat: The primary meat used to make up chorizo sausage is usually pork. However, there are some areas that will use beef instead because of the local customs and preferences.
– Fat: Another key ingredient found in chorizo is fat. The fat that is incorporated into the sausage adds to the juiciness and richness. The fat works to carry the spices throughout the sausage as well.
– Spices: The first thing you might notice about Chorizo is the bright red color of the meat. This is because of the spices throughout it. The spice that gives it that color is namely paprika. It gives is a smoky, sweet flavor that is very distinct. Other seasonings that are used in chorizo include garlic, salt and even oregano.
– Curing Agents: Chorizo goes through a drying and aging process to enhance flavors and increase its shelf life. Salt and nitrates are the curing agents used in this process.
How Chorizo Compares to Other Sausages
You might be wondering how chorizo stacks up against other sausages. Here, we are going to take a closer look at chorizo when compared to other sausages.
– Origin: Chorizo can be traced back to Iberian Peninsula, but it quickly gained ground in Latin America and is now commonly found in many Latin dishes.
– Flavor Profile: Many people recognize chorizo because of the robust flavor that paprika provides. The distinct color and taste of chorizo often is what sets it apart from other types of sausage.
– Curing Process: All chorizo is either semi-cured or fully cured. While there are other sausages that are also cured, the curing process in chorizo plays a large role in the flavor and texture of the meat.
– Versatility: When it comes to versatility, chorizo is in a league of its own. Because it is so intensely flavored, it can standalone but is also delicious in soups, breakfast dishes, tacos and more.
Authentic Mexican Cuisine in Las Vegas, Nevada (Just Minutes from Summerlin, North LV, Paradise, Lone Mountain & Henderson, NV)
If you are looking for some delicious chorizo dishes, you can turn to Eddie’s Mexican Restaurant for the best of the best. Come in today!
