CHORIZO AND POTATO TACOS

My sister was the first person to introduce me to chorizo and potato tacos. She made them for a big family gathering and they were an instant hit. Every time I have made these since there hasn't been a single spec of left overs. They are so yummy they are the epitome of "I bet you can't just have one." and will have you saying, "Are you going to finish that? cause I will!" I also find tacos are great for entertaining large groups of people because they have this make you own/style it to your liking that gets other people involved in the meal process. Plus they're super easy to make! BONUS! ...but your guest don't need to know that ;)

Makes 12-14 Tacos

INGREDIENTS:

4-5 Yukon Potato (cubed)
1 TBSP of Lemon Juice
1 TBSP of Olive Oil
1 Sweet or Yellow Onion (chopped)
1-2 LBS of Uncooked Chorizo Sausage (remove chorizo from casing by cutting open the casing)
1-2 Jalapeno Chile (remove seed and chop finely)
Salt and Pepper (as desired)
Tortillas
Suggested Taco Fixings - Salsa, Guacamole, Hot Sauce (I love Valentina's), Bean paste. There is also sour cream, cheese and lettuce but these are not typical Mexican toppings.

*Place your cubed potatoes in a large bowl and cover in water. Add in your lemon juice - this will stop your potatoes from browning while you are prepping everything else.

DIRECTIONS:

Okay so the first thing we are going to do is boil the potatoes (first we boil them then we fry them). So when you're ready get a pot, drain the potatoes existing water and fill it with fresh water. Place the pot on the stove and bring it to a boil on high heat.

Once boiling lower heat and let it continue to cook for 4-6 minutes, drain and set aside.

While the potatoes are cooking, in a large skillet add in the olive oil over medium. Once the oil is warm throw in your onions and lower heat to medium and let your onions start to sweat and release their juices.

When the onions start to soften and become clear throw in your chorizo stirring well to help break up the meat. Cook the chorizo on medium to high for 6-8 minutes.

Next add in the cooked potatoes and jalapenos. You will notice that the potatoes will start to absorb the flavors and oils of the chorizo and turn orange - this is good!!! Continue to cook for about 10-15 minutes stirring occasionally to avoid burning, but it is also great to let the meat and potatoes to get crisp too! You can add salt and pepper to your liking.

 

I hope you enjoyed this recipe as much as I do. If you have any comments please leave them below and I'll be happy to answer them as soon as I can! Happy cooking!!!

BLACK COD AND CHORIZO PAELLA!!!!!

I found this recipe in the food and drink magazine at the LCBO and had to try it. I just went to Spain and I'm really craving some paella. Whats great about this dish is that it has a lot of protein and is also gluten free. Even though it isn't low in fat its still really good for you. Eating fish is an important source of omega-3 fatty acids - essential nutrients that keep our heart and brain healthy! Enjoy!

Yields 4 portions

INGREDIENTS:

Paella
½ TSP Saffron threads
2¼ Cups of Chicken stock - warmed
2 TBSP Olive oil
1 Chorizo Sausage (chopped) - about ¾ cup
1 TSP Garlic
½ Cup of Onion (chopped)
1 Cup of Chopped Canned Tomatoes in Juice
½ TSP Hot Smoked Spanish Paprika
¾ cup Spanish medium-grain rice or Italian arborio
1½ Cups of Shrimp (chopped)
Salt and Pepper (as desired)
2 TBSP Parsley (chopped)

Black Cod
4 black cod fillets, 6 oz each
1 TBSP of Olive Oil
1 tsp Mild Smoked Spanish Paprika
Salt (as desired)
2 TBSP Lemon juice

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 450°F

In a large skillet (on low heat) on the stove top heat up your saffron for a minute or two before removing it and crushing it over and into the chicken broth with your fingers where it will soften and melt.

Using the same skillet add in your oil and let it heat up on high heat before throwing in your Chorizo. Let it cook for 2 minutes or until it is cooked.

Reduce to medium heat before throwing in your onion, garlic and paprika. Let that cook for a minute or two before you add in the chopped tomato and juice.

Let that continue to cook for about five minutes or until the juice evaporates and the sauce thickens.

Next mix in your rice. Add 2 cups of chicken/saffron stock. Bring to a boil again by turning the heat up on high and then reducing to low or a gentle simmer so the rice can cook! Apx 15 minutes.

*You don't want to mix the rice after you put it in the pan so that a crispy crust can form on the bottom!

Place cod in an ovenproof dish - skin side down, add the olive oil in and make sure the cod is evenly coated. Next salt the cod so that it is evenly covered (you can salt the skin side too!). Sprinkle the paprika on the cod and rub it in then drizzle the lemon juice on top. Place in oven for 10-15 minutes until is is fully cooked.

Salt and Pepper the shrimp before continuing

Next add the shrimp just by placing it on top and the remaining chicken stock. Cover and cook for 5 minutes or until the rice is tender and the shrimp is fully cooked.

When the cod is ready take it out of the oven and place on top of the ready paella. Sprinkle with parsley before serving.

 

I hope you enjoyed this recipe as much as I do. If you have any comments please leave them below and I'll be happy to answer them as soon as I can! Happy cooking!!!