How to make Fried Chorizo with Chick Peas and Tomatoes

During my enchanting travels through Spain, I stumbled upon a culinary treasure named “Fried Chorizo with Chick Peas and Tomatoes”. This dish, seeped in tradition, is a delightful amalgamation of robust chorizo, creamy chickpeas, and juicy cherry tomatoes, each ingredient playing a pivotal role in its taste profile. Experiencing it, the crispy chorizo delights with its spicy tang, while chickpeas and tomatoes add layers of smoothness and a burst of freshness, creating a harmonious flavor dance. It’s a dish that resonates with the warmth of Spanish sunshine on your palate. I’m excited to share this recipe with everyone, bringing a taste of Spain to your table.

Fried Chorizo with Chick Peas and Tomatoes

"Fried Chorizo with Chick Peas and Tomatoes" is a traditional Spanish dish that embodies the rich culinary heritage of Spain. Featuring key ingredients like spicy chorizo, smooth chickpeas, and sweet cherry tomatoes, this recipe brings together a robust blend of flavors and textures. The chorizo provides a crispy, smoky bite, complemented by the creamy chickpeas and the burst of fresh sweetness from the cherry tomatoes. Together, these elements create a harmonious and nourishing meal that delights the senses and captures the essence of Spanish culture. This dish is not just a meal but a celebratory representation of Spanish warmth and gastronomy, promising to leave an unforgettable impression on anyone who tastes it.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Breakfast, Snack

Cuisine Spanish

Servings 4 people

Calories 589 kcal

Equipment

• 1 saucepan
• 1 mixing bowl

Ingredients

  

• Salt and pepper
• 3 tablespoons parsley
• 2 pints cherry tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 9 ounces chorizo
• 2 15- oz. cans chickpeas
• 1 onion
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

 

• In a saucepan over medium heat, steam the oil.
• Sauté onion for three minutes, or until soft.
• Toss in the chorizo.
• Sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until thoroughly hot.
• Combine chickpeas, grape tomatoes, and paprika in a mixing bowl.
• Cook for 8 minutes, or until tomatoes are softened, and liquids are boiling.
• Salt and pepper to taste. Serve with a tarragon garnish.

Keyword chickpeas, chorizo, parsley

Cooking Tips about Fried Chorizo with Chick Peas and Tomatoes

• Choosing the Right Chorizo: Opt for high-quality chorizo with a good balance of fat and spices. The flavor of chorizo is central to this dish, so the better the quality, the more flavorful your dish will be.
• Sautéing to Perfection: When sautéing the chorizo, let it cook until it’s crispy on the outside. This not only enhances its texture but also releases the smoky flavors that characterize this dish.
• Tender Chickpeas: If you’re using canned chickpeas, ensure they are thoroughly rinsed and drained to get rid of the canning liquid. For dried chickpeas, remember to soak them overnight and cook them until tender before adding them to the dish. Well-cooked chickpeas absorb the flavors better and offer a pleasing contrast to the crispy chorizo.
• Cherry Tomatoes Timing: Add the cherry tomatoes towards the end of the cooking process. You want them warm and slightly blistered but still retaining their shape and juiciness. This introduces a burst of freshness and adds a bright color to the dish.
• Balance of Flavors: Depending on the spiciness of your chorizo, adjust the seasoning accordingly. The aim is to strike a balance where the spice from the chorizo, the creaminess of the chickpeas, and the sweetness of the tomatoes complement each other without overpowering.
• Fresh Ingredients: As with any dish focusing on simplicity and flavor, using fresh ingredients plays a crucial role. Freshly picked cherry tomatoes, good quality olive oil, and fresh herbs (if using) make a significant difference in elevating the taste.
• Serve Warm with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or coriander on top. This adds a final touch of freshness and brings the dish together.

Serving suggestions about Fried Chorizo with Chick Peas and Tomatoes

• Crusty Bread: Serve alongside slices of crusty bread to sop up the deliciously flavored oils and juice. The bread acts as a perfect vehicle for ensuring not a drop of this exquisite sauce goes to waste.
• A Simple Green Salad: Balance the rich flavors of the dish with a simple green salad dressed lightly with olive oil and lemon juice. This adds freshness and cuts through the richness of the chorizo.
• Rice or Couscous: For a hearty meal, serve this dish over a bed of fluffy rice or couscous. These grains beautifully absorb the flavors of the dish, creating a satisfying and complete meal.
• Roasted Vegetables: A side of roasted vegetables such as asparagus, bell peppers, or zucchini can add color and additional layers of flavor to your meal, enhancing the overall dining experience.
• A Glass of Spanish Red Wine: Complement the meal with a glass of robust Spanish red wine, such as Rioja, which pairs wonderfully with the smoky flavors of the chorizo and the richness of the dish.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or cilantro over the dish to add a pop of color and freshness, elevating the visual appeal and adding another layer of flavor.

Top 5 FAQs about Fried Chorizo with Chick Peas and Tomatoes

• What are the key ingredients in Fried Chorizo with Chick Peas and Tomatoes? The main ingredients that make this traditional Spanish dish so distinctive are spicy chorizo, smooth chickpeas, and sweet cherry tomatoes.
• Is Fried Chorizo with Chick Peas and Tomatoes a suitable dish for vegetarians? No, due to the inclusion of chorizo, which is a type of pork sausage, this dish is not suitable for vegetarians.
• How should the chorizo be cooked for the best flavor and texture? For the best results, the chorizo should be sautéed until it’s crispy on the outside. This enhances its texture and releases the smoky flavors intrinsic to the dish.
• Can canned chickpeas be used in this dish, and if so, is there any preparation involved? Yes, canned chickpeas can be used. They should be thoroughly rinsed and drained to eliminate the canning liquid, ensuring they absorb the dish’s flavors more effectively.
• What are some recommended serving suggestions for Fried Chorizo with Chick Peas and Tomatoes? This dish can be beautifully complemented by serving it with crusty bread, a simple green salad, fluffy rice or couscous, roasted vegetables, or enjoyed with a glass of robust Spanish red wine like Rioja. Also, a garnish of freshly chopped parsley or cilantro before serving can add a pop of color and freshness.