Discover the art of making your own Chorizo with this easy-to-follow recipe. This spicy cured pork sausage is infused with paprika, delivering a rich, smoky flavor that's perfect for a variety of dishes. Whether you're adding it to your favorite recipes or enjoying it on its own, homemade Chorizo is a delicious and versatile addition to your kitchen. Learn how to prepare this savory sausage with our step-by-step guide!

Ingredients:

- 2 pounds (900 grams) ground pork (preferably with a bit of fat)

- 3 tablespoons smoked paprika

- 1 tablespoon sweet paprika

- 1 tablespoon garlic powder

- 1 tablespoon onion powder

- 1 tablespoon dried oregano

- 1 teaspoon cumin

- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)

- 1/2 cup white wine vinegar

- Sausage casings (optional, for stuffing)

Instructions:

Prepare the Spice Mix:

  - In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, sweet paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, cumin, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well.

Season the Pork:

  - In a large bowl, add the ground pork. Sprinkle the spice mix over the pork and mix thoroughly to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.

Add Vinegar:

  - Pour the white wine vinegar over the seasoned pork and mix until well combined. The vinegar helps with curing and adds a tangy flavor.

Stuff Sausages (Optional):

  - If using sausage casings, rinse them thoroughly and soak them in water. Stuff the casings with the seasoned pork mixture, being careful to remove any air bubbles. Twist the sausages at regular intervals to form links.

Cure the Sausages:

  - If you’re not stuffing the sausages, simply form the seasoned pork into patties or logs. Cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 24 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the sausage to cure slightly.

Cook the Chorizo:

  - To cook, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the chorizo and cook until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. If you have stuffed sausages, cook them in the skillet or grill them until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

Serve and Enjoy:

  - Enjoy your homemade chorizo sliced in sandwiches, crumbled over dishes, or as part of your favorite recipes.

This homemade Chorizo is sure to impress with its bold flavors and versatility. Enjoy crafting this delicious sausage at home!

Nutritional values

Ground Pork (2 pounds / 900 grams)

  - Approximately:

   - 1,600 calories

   - 80g protein

   - 80g fat

   - 0g carbohydrates

Benefits:

   - Rich in protein and fat; provides essential amino acids and energy.

Smoked Paprika (3 tablespoons)

  - Approximately:

   - 24 calories

   - 1g protein

   - 2g fat

   - 6g carbohydrates

Benefits:

   - Adds a smoky flavor; contains antioxidants and vitamins A and C.

Sweet Paprika (1 tablespoon)

  - Approximately:

   - 6 calories

   - 0g protein

   - 0g fat

   - 1g carbohydrates

Benefits:

   - Adds sweetness and color; contains antioxidants.

Garlic Powder (1 tablespoon)

  - Approximately:

   - 30 calories

   - 1g protein

   - 0g fat

   - 7g carbohydrates

Benefits:

   - Provides flavor; has anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.

Onion Powder (1 tablespoon)

  - Approximately:

   - 28 calories

   - 1g protein

   - 0g fat

   - 7g carbohydrates

Benefits:

   - Adds savory flavor; supports heart health and has antioxidant properties.

Dried Oregano (1 tablespoon)

  - Approximately:

   - 6 calories

   - 0g protein

   - 0g fat

   - 1g carbohydrates

Benefits:

   - Adds a herbal flavor; contains antioxidants and supports digestion.

Cumin (1 teaspoon)

  - Approximately:

   - 8 calories

   - 0g protein

   - 0g fat

   - 2g carbohydrates

Benefits:

   - Enhances flavor; aids in digestion and has antioxidant properties.

Ground Black Pepper (1 teaspoon)

  - Approximately:

   - 6 calories

   - 0g protein

   - 0g fat

   - 2g carbohydrates

Benefits:

   - Adds spice; supports digestion and has antioxidant properties.

Salt (1 teaspoon)

  - Approximately:

   - 0 calories

   - 0g protein

   - 0g fat

   - 0g carbohydrates

Benefits:

   - Essential for flavor; helps in preserving food.

Cayenne Pepper (1/4 teaspoon, optional)

  - Approximately:

   - 2 calories

   - 0g protein

   - 0g fat

   - 1g carbohydrates

Benefits:

   - Adds heat; contains capsaicin which can boost metabolism and have anti-inflammatory effects.

White Wine Vinegar (1/2 cup)

  - Approximately:

   - 10 calories

   - 0g protein

   - 0g fat

   - 0g carbohydrates

Benefits:

   - Adds acidity; can aid in digestion and enhance flavors.

Sausage Casings (optional)

  - Nutritional values vary; used for stuffing.

Total Benefits:

This mixture combines rich, flavorful spices with ground pork, providing a robust flavor profile while delivering a good balance of protein and fat. The spices contribute additional health benefits, including antioxidants and digestive support, while the vinegar adds a tangy taste and can aid in digestion.