Papas con Chorizo: A Flavorful Mexican Classic Recipe

Papas con Chorizo, or potatoes with chorizo, is a simple yet incredibly satisfying Mexican dish. It’s a staple in many households, often enjoyed as a side dish, a filling for tacos or burritos, or even as a hearty breakfast. The combination of savory chorizo and tender potatoes creates a flavor explosion that’s both comforting and delicious. This recipe will guide you through creating the perfect Papas con Chorizo, ensuring that every bite is packed with authentic Mexican flavor.

What is Chorizo?

Before diving into the recipe, let’s talk about chorizo. There are two main types: Spanish chorizo and Mexican chorizo. Spanish chorizo is cured and dried, similar to salami, and ready to eat as is. Mexican chorizo, on the other hand, is fresh, raw, and needs to be cooked before consumption. It’s typically made from ground pork seasoned with chili peppers and spices. For this recipe, we’ll be using Mexican chorizo.

Mexican chorizo comes in two main varieties: pork chorizo and beef chorizo. Pork chorizo is the more common type, offering a rich, savory flavor. Beef chorizo tends to be leaner and has a slightly different taste profile. You can use either type for this recipe, depending on your preference. When buying Mexican chorizo, look for options that are bright red in color and have a fresh, spicy aroma. Also, consider the fat content; some chorizo is leaner than others. A bit of fat adds flavor and moisture to the dish, but too much can make it greasy. Also, be aware that some chorizo contains vinegar, which will add a slightly tangy flavor.

Why This Recipe Works

This Papas con Chorizo recipe stands out because it focuses on building layers of flavor. The potatoes are first cooked until tender, then crisped up in the rendered chorizo fat, adding a wonderful texture and depth of flavor. The addition of onions and peppers provides sweetness and a touch of spice, while the optional jalapeño adds an extra kick for those who like it hot. Fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice brighten the dish and balance the richness of the chorizo. Finally, this recipe is easily customizable. You can adjust the amount of chorizo, potatoes, and spices to suit your taste preferences. It’s also a great way to use up leftover potatoes or vegetables.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 pound Yukon Gold potatoes: These potatoes hold their shape well during cooking and have a creamy texture. You can also use red potatoes or russet potatoes, but Yukon Gold is preferred.
• 1 pound Mexican chorizo: Look for good-quality Mexican chorizo, preferably from a local butcher or Latin American grocery store. Remove the casing before cooking.
• 1 medium yellow onion: Diced, the onion adds sweetness and flavor to the dish.
• 1 bell pepper (any color): Diced, the bell pepper adds a touch of sweetness and crunch. You can use any color bell pepper, depending on your preference.
• 1 jalapeño pepper (optional): Minced, the jalapeño adds heat. Remove the seeds and membranes for a milder flavor.
• 2 cloves garlic: Minced, the garlic adds a pungent aroma and flavor.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional): If your chorizo is very lean, you may need to add a little olive oil to prevent the potatoes from sticking to the pan.
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro: Cilantro adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor.
• 1 lime: Cut into wedges, the lime adds a touch of acidity and brightens the dish.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Season generously to bring out the flavors of the ingredients.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Large skillet or cast-iron pan
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Mixing bowl
• Spatula or wooden spoon

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create the perfect Papas con Chorizo:

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Wash the potatoes thoroughly. You can peel them if you prefer a smoother texture, but leaving the skins on adds nutrients and a rustic touch. Dice the potatoes into 1/2-inch cubes. Place the diced potatoes in a mixing bowl and cover them with cold water. This will help prevent them from browning and remove excess starch, resulting in crispier potatoes.

Step 2: Cook the Chorizo

Remove the chorizo from its casing. This can be done by slicing the casing lengthwise with a sharp knife and peeling it away. In a large skillet or cast-iron pan, cook the chorizo over medium heat, breaking it up with a spatula or wooden spoon. Cook until the chorizo is browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. As the chorizo cooks, it will release its flavorful fat. This fat is key to flavoring the potatoes, so don’t drain it off unless there’s an excessive amount. If your chorizo is very lean and doesn’t release much fat, add 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil to the pan.

Step 3: Cook the Onions and Peppers

Once the chorizo is cooked, remove it from the pan with a slotted spoon and set it aside. Leave the rendered fat in the pan. Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the pan and cook over medium heat until they are softened and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. If you’re using jalapeño, add it to the pan along with the onions and peppers. Stir frequently to prevent burning. Add the minced garlic to the pan during the last minute of cooking. Garlic burns easily, so add it towards the end to prevent it from becoming bitter.

Step 4: Add the Potatoes

Drain the potatoes and pat them dry with paper towels. Add the potatoes to the pan with the onions and peppers. Stir to coat the potatoes with the chorizo fat and seasonings. Spread the potatoes in a single layer in the pan. This will help them brown and crisp up evenly. Cook the potatoes over medium heat, turning occasionally, until they are tender and golden brown, about 15-20 minutes. Be patient and don’t stir the potatoes too frequently, as this will prevent them from browning. Allow them to sit undisturbed for a few minutes between each turn to develop a crispy crust.

Step 5: Combine and Season

Return the cooked chorizo to the pan with the potatoes. Stir to combine everything and heat through. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Be mindful that the chorizo is already seasoned, so you may not need to add much salt. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove the Papas con Chorizo from the heat and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve immediately with lime wedges. The lime juice adds a bright, acidic flavor that complements the richness of the chorizo and potatoes.

Serving Suggestions

Papas con Chorizo is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways:

• As a side dish: Serve alongside grilled meats, chicken, or fish.
• As a filling for tacos or burritos: Add to warm tortillas with your favorite toppings, such as salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.
• As a breakfast dish: Serve with scrambled eggs and tortillas for a hearty breakfast.
• As a topping for nachos: Top tortilla chips with Papas con Chorizo, cheese, and your favorite nacho toppings.
• In quesadillas: Fill tortillas with cheese and Papas con Chorizo, then grill until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tips for the Best Papas con Chorizo

• Use good-quality chorizo: The flavor of the chorizo is the star of the dish, so choose a good-quality brand that you enjoy.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook the potatoes in a single layer to ensure they brown and crisp up evenly. If necessary, cook them in batches.
• Don’t stir the potatoes too frequently: Allow them to sit undisturbed for a few minutes between each turn to develop a crispy crust.
• Adjust the seasoning to your taste: Chorizo is already seasoned, so taste the mixture and adjust the salt and pepper accordingly.
• Add a touch of heat: If you like spicy food, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few drops of hot sauce to the dish.
• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh cilantro and lime juice will brighten the dish and balance the richness of the chorizo.

Variations

Papas con Chorizo is a versatile dish that can be easily customized to your liking. Here are a few variations to try:

• Add cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Oaxaca cheese, over the Papas con Chorizo during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Add beans: Stir in cooked beans, such as black beans or pinto beans, for added protein and fiber.
• Add corn: Stir in cooked corn kernels for added sweetness and texture.
• Make it vegetarian: Use plant-based chorizo and vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Add different vegetables: Experiment with adding other vegetables, such as zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach.

Make-Ahead Instructions

Papas con Chorizo can be made ahead of time and reheated. Cook the dish according to the instructions, then let it cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover Papas con Chorizo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound Yukon Gold potatoes, diced
• 1 pound Mexican chorizo, removed from casing
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
• 1 jalapeño pepper (optional), minced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 lime, cut into wedges
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Wash and dice the potatoes into 1/2-inch cubes.
2. Remove chorizo from its casing and cook in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned (8-10 minutes). Remove chorizo and set aside, leaving the fat in the pan.
3. Add diced onion and bell pepper (and jalapeño, if using) to the pan. Cook until softened (5-7 minutes), then add minced garlic for the last minute.
4. Drain and dry the diced potatoes. Add them to the pan with the cooked vegetables. Stir to coat with the chorizo fat.
5. Spread the potatoes in a single layer and cook, turning occasionally, until tender and golden brown (15-20 minutes).
6. Return the cooked chorizo to the pan, stir to combine, and heat through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Note: Nutritional information can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. This is an estimate.)

• Calories: Approximately 350-450 per serving
• Fat: 25-35g
• Protein: 15-20g
• Carbohydrates: 20-30g

Conclusion

Papas con Chorizo is a simple, flavorful, and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy side dish, a hearty breakfast, or a filling for tacos, this recipe is sure to please. With its combination of savory chorizo, tender potatoes, and fresh seasonings, Papas con Chorizo is a true Mexican classic that you’ll want to make again and again. Enjoy!