Chorizo and Brussels or Brussels and Chorizo
Another successful tax season in the books. I’m ready for a change of pace, and I’m ready to get back into the kitchen. Latest bookmarks include: Chicken and Pesto Stuffed Sweet Peppers, Jerked Sriracha Roast Pork Tacos, and Kale White Bean and Farro Salad. I want to eat ALL.THE.FOOD. that isn’t catered.
I made this blueberry slab pie with rye crust for a pie contest at work a couple of weeks ago. [Sidenote: I was originally going to say a week ago, but then I remembered I have no idea how much time elapses anymore. It was at least two, going on three. Time flies!] We were having a Thanksgiving themed dinner and thought it a good idea to have people make pies. Mine didn’t have a lattice top because the dough turned out a little too dry for that. Besides, it looked like a giant pop tart. Way cooler. It was really good. The rye had a savory note that played off the sweet, mellowing it out. I really liked it. It didn’t win because frankly giant blueberry rye pop tart doesn’t win. Chocolate cream does. I really just wanted an excuse to make the pie. It all got eaten that night except for one piece, which I happily ate for breakfast the next day.
This bowl of brussels and chorizo is a dangerous one. If I’m not careful, I can easily eat the entire pan. I was thinking about these brussels this weekend. There are still brussels in the grocery store. We live in a world where we have year-round produce, and I’m still surprised. The original recipe calls for cured Spanish chorizo sliced thin. I went with the ground chicken chorizo for a little more of a spicy kick and I wanted the brussels to bathe in the rendered chicken fat. Using a cast iron skillet to do the dirty work leaves a nice char to the brussels. They’re super tender on the inside and a bit spicy — a winning combination. I put them on a bed of couscous for something different, but really they’re just fine on their own. I could go for a bowl of them right now. And a piece of pie.
Ingredients
- 1lb brussels sprouts, halved or quartered depending on the size
- 1/2lb ground chorizo
- 1/2 yellow onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- salt and pepper
Preparation
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the brussels and cook until tender, about six minutes. Transfer them to an ice bath to stop them from turning to mush. After about five minutes, drain them and set aside.
Heat a skillet on medium high heat with a tablespoon or two of olive oil. Toss the onion into the pan. Stir occasionally. Once it’s soft and translucent, add the chorizo and crumble. Once it’s almost cooked, add the brussels and garlic to the pan. Toss to coat in the rendered fat. Cook until heated through. Taste for salt and pepper.
One-pot meals are my favorite. Because I’m lazy. And you know what is also really good but I’m too lazy to do? Peeling all the leaves off and cooking those instead of the Brussels halves.
Umm speaking of lazy, it’s April 15 and I still haven’t filed my taxes 🙁
I have the forms half done and am on my way to the post office today, but I’m really scared, like when you’re driving on the interstate and your gas tank is below the slash on E.
I bet your taxes are SO fun with living in London and all. You got it though. No getting stranded on the interstate.
I’m way too lazy to peel the leaves off the brussels too .They are good that way though!
Yay end of tax season! A big bowl of sausage and dark greens sounds like such a good way to celebrate. (Plus some cocktails, of course.)
I didn’t know that a mini ice bath was the way to stop brussel sprouts from getting mushy!! Good to know for future reference