Chorizo Sausage and Pepper Bake
A Fast and Simple Dinner Recipe with Fresh Vegetables and Sausage
Jul 30, 2009
Chorizo is a delicious and popular pork sausage from the Iberian Peninsula. These tasty sausages come in many varieties Chorizo comes in an assortment of both cooked and cured or smoked varieties. Produced in all shapes and sizes, Spanish Chorizo is the most common variety and is usually made of chopped pork and pork fat, and seasoned with Pimentón, a smoked Spanish paprika which gives the sausages a reddish hue. Spanish chorizo is often available in hot or sweet varieties. Cured chorizo is often served as tapas or in sandwiches, while the fresh or uncooked chorizo is often used in simmerd or baked dishes.
Similar in taste and appearance, Portuguese chorizo (chouriço) is a spicy sausage prepared with pork, pork fats, wine, annatto seeds and salt, and is usually smoked and cured.
Cultural variations of chorizo can also be found in the Caribbean and Mexico. These versions which are also made of pork usually contain chili powder and vinegar for flavouring. In South America, the term chorizo is applied to any sauage made of roughly chopped meats. North American variations can often include garlic, onions, other types of meats, spinach, and even cheese.
With simple steps and common household ingredients, the Chorizo Sausage and Pepper Bake is a great way to experience fresh chorizo.
Chorizo Sausage and Pepper Bake
Serves 2 (to serve 4, double recipe)
10 minutes preparation
45 minutes cook time
Ingredients:
- 2 large, uncooked chorizo sausage links (can be substituted with vegetarian or kosher sausages)
- 1 red onion
- 1 red pepper
- 1 yellow pepper
- 1 orange pepper
- 4 cloves of garlic
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 block of fresh asiago or parmesan cheese
Cooking Instructions:
- Cut uncooked sausages into bite sized chunks and fry in lightly coated, non-stick frying pan until browned. Sausages do not need to be fully cooked.
- Cut peppers and onion into large, bite-sized chunks. Place in a glass baking dish. Peel garlic cloves and cut in half. Place in baking dish.
- Coat vegetables with olive oil and toss to make sure all pieces are evenly coated. Add balsamic vinegar and mix well. The vinegar is used to bring out the flavour of the peppers and is not the overwhelming taste after baking. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Add browned sausages to the vegetables. Don’t worry if the sausages are not cooked all the way as they will have plenty of time to cook in the oven prior to serving.
- Place baking dish in the oven at 375 degrees and bake for 45 minutes until sausages are fully cooked.
- Remove from oven. Before serving grate fresh parmesan or asiago in large pieces over the dish and serve.
For added spice, chili powder can be added subject to taste. This dish is great on its own, or can be served over rice or couscous for added Middle Eastern flavour. Easy to transport, this recipe makes a great dish for potlucks and barbeques.
