| Nutritional Guidelines (per serving) | |
|---|---|
| 233 | Calories |
| 14g | Fat |
| 23g | Carbs |
| 4g | Protein |
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Servings: 4 | |
| Amount per serving | |
| Calories | 233 |
| % Daily Value* | |
| Total Fat 14g | 18% |
| Saturated Fat 2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 204mg | 9% |
| Total Carbohydrate 23g | 8% |
| Dietary Fiber 2g | 8% |
| Total Sugars 3g | |
| Protein 4g | |
| Vitamin C 4mg | 22% |
| Calcium 24mg | 2% |
| Iron 1mg | 8% |
| Potassium 172mg | 4% |
| *The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. | |
Although pasta isn't always associated with Spain, it is a fairly common staple on tables across the country. Its vicinity to Italy makes it the perfect place where both cuisines can blend, like in this flavorful recipe for pasta with chorizo. Both countries consider pasta to be a first course, rather than the main course, but this flavorful recipe yields four filling and generous servings.
Spanish chorizo is a spicy pork sausage that's garlicky and flavored with pimentón (paprika) and is a very specific ingredient that can't be replaced with Mexican chorizo, as they offer flavor profiles that are very distinct. Spanish chorizo is usually cured, whereas Mexican is sold raw. The closest approximation to the Spanish version would be a very spicy sausage that you can further flavor to with paprika, or Portuguese linguica sausage.
True Spanish chorizo can be found in most upscale supermarkets packed with specialty meats in the charcuterie and cheese section.
Ingredients
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1 medium yellow onion
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2 cloves garlic
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1/2 red bell pepper
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1 8-ounce Spanish semi-cured chorizo (case removed)
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1/4 cup  Spanish extra virgin olive oil (divided)
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1 (24-ounce) can of crushed tomatoes (or 24 ounces of fresh pulsed tomatoes)
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1 teaspoon Spanish smoked paprika
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1/4 tsp salt
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1/2 pound penne (macaroni or spaghetti)
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Optional:
1/4 cup shaved Manchego cheese
Steps to Make It
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Gather the ingredients.
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Peel and chop the onion into 1/4-inch chunks.
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Peel and finely chop the cloves of garlic.
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Remove the seeds and veins from the pepper and dice.
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If you haven't removed the case from the chorizo—semi-cured and cured chorizos have an inedible case—peel it off and cut the chorizo into round slices about 1/4-inch thick.
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Place a large skillet over medium heat and add about half of the olive oil. Once hot enough, sauté the onion, garlic, pepper, and chorizo slices in the pan. Stir often and be mindful that the smoking point of olive oil is different than other oils; if you let it smoke, the flavor will change. If you see anything sticking to the bottom of the pan, add the remaining olive oil from what you've reserved.
 The Spruce -
Once the onions are translucent, about 5 minutes, add the crushed tomatoes.
 The Spruce -
Sprinkle the paprika on the sauce. Lower the heat and cook on medium-low for 10 minutes, occasionally stirring.
 The Spruce -
While the sauce cooks, bring water for pasta to a rolling boil in a large pot.
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Add a big pinch of salt to the boiling water and add the pasta. Cook until al dente and drain.
 The Spruce -
Check on your sauce, taste the seasoning, and add salt if necessary. Remove from heat.
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Plate the pasta in individual serving bowls and add sauce on top of each. Alternatively, present the dish family-style in a big serving bowl. If using, add some shaves of cheese on top.
 The Spruce -
Enjoy!
What Else to Do with Chorizo Sauce?
Don't limit this sauce to serving over pasta. This delicious mixture can be incorporated into other flavorful recipes:
- Sandwiches: Cut open a whole baguette and pour the sauce on top. Top with Manchego cheese or a big handful or Pecorino and bake at 350 F for 15 minutes. Slice the baguette in four sandwiches and serve.
- Flatbread: Make individual flatbreads by topping four small naan breads with the sauce. Add a handful of sliced black olives on top of each naan and bake at 350 F for 10 minutes. Garnish with some fresh arugula and a few drops of extra virgin olive oil.
- Crostini: Slice a whole baguette, spray with olive oil, sprinkle salt and pepper, and bake at 350 F until crunchy. Top each crostini with a tablespoon of the sauce and serve as a small appetizer with some green and black olives on the side.
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