Tweaked Homemade Chorizo Recipes

HOMEMADE CHORIZO

Steps:

• Prepare the casing.
• Soak the casing in cold water for 30 minutes to soften, then run water through it to remove excess salt and check for leaks. (You can buy casings from most butchers.)
• Blend the chiles.
• Remove the seeds from the chipotles, and finely chop in a food processor with the garlic, vinegar and tequila.
• Chop the pork.
• Cut any silver skin off the pork butt, then cut it into 3-inch chunks.
• Grind the meat.
• Grind the pork in a meat grinder (or mixer with a grinder attachment) with a 316-inch die. Use the feed tube to push the meat through gently.
• Season the meat.
• First, "de-bling" (take off your rings!); you'll be mixing with your hands. Combine the dry spices-cumin, salt, chili powders, onion, paprika, oregano and white pepper-in a small bowl. Then season the pork in layers: Place half the ground meat in a large bowl, cover with half the spice mixture and half the garlic-vinegar mixture, then add the rest of the meat, spices and garlic mixture. Combine everything with your hands; it's the best way to make sure all the meat gets seasoned.
• Thread the casing.
• Remove the die from the grinder and attach the sausage-stuffing tube, then slide the whole casing onto the tube, leaving enough at the end to tie into a tight knot.
• Stuff the casing.
• With the mixer on low, gently feed the sausage mixture into the tube, using one hand to guide the casing out at the right speed; be careful not to overstuff or tear the casing.
• Form the links.
• Turn off the mixer after you get about 3 to 4 feet of sausage and cut and tie off the casing. Retie the casing on the stuffing tube and continue making the remaining sausage. Pinch and then twist the long pieces of sausage about every 8 inches to form links. Place the linked sausages on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate overnight to dry.
• Grill the sausage.
• Preheat one side of a grill to medium-high and the other to low. Lightly brush the grill with oil, then grill the sausages until they're browned on all sides, 6 to 8 minutes. Move to low heat and continue grilling until they're cooked through, 5 to 7 more minutes.

HOMEMADE MEXICAN CHORIZO

Steps:

• Combine chili powder, paprika, cumin, salt, garlic powder, coriander, oregano, red pepper flakes, ground cloves and black pepper in mixing bowl and stir until well combined.
• Add cider vinegar and stir until dry ingredients are moistened.
• Add ground meat and knead until spice mixture is well incorporated into the meat.
• You can use the chorizo immediately, but for best flavor development, place chorizo mixture in an airtight container and store overnight in fridge.
• Form chrizo meat into small patties or just scramble and fry the meat in a skillet until done.

HOMEMADE CHORIZO

Steps:

• In a medium size bowl, mix the pork, salt, pepper, chile powder, garlic, oregano, coriander, cumin and vinegar thoroughly. Refrigerate, in an airtight container, overnight. This allows the flavors to meld. The chorizo may also be frozen.

HOMEMADE FRESH CHORIZO

Steps:

• Heat a large dry cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add chiles; toast, turning often, until just fragrant, about 1 minute. Remove from pan and let cool.
• Using kitchen scissors and working over a medium bowl, cut chiles into 1" rings, reserving seeds and discarding stems. Cover with 1/2 cup hot water; let soak, stirring occasionally, until chiles are soft and pliable, about 10 minutes.
• Transfer chiles with seeds and soaking liquid to a blender. Add garlic, paprika, 1 tablespoon salt, and pepper; pulse until a paste forms.
• Combine pork and chile paste in a large bowl. Gently mix until just blended (do not overwork the meat).
• Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Working in 2 batches, cook chorizo until cooked through, 7-8 minutes. (Be sure to let meat brown before turning and breaking it up into small pieces with a spoon or spatula.) Season with salt. DO AHEAD: Chorizo can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill. Rewarm before serving.

HOMEMADE CHORIZO

Steps:

• Mix all ingredients in a bowl with your hands. Or alternatively, you can mix in batches in a food processor in batches giving a finer texture almost like a paste.
• Store in an airtight container or large zip-lock bag in the refrigerator. Let sit at least a day or two in the refrigerator before using. You can also put some in the freezer for later use.
• To use: Pour a little canola or vegetable oil in a frying pan and heat over medium high-heat. Add the chorizo and cook through.