Homemade Mexican Chorizo

Homemade Mexican chorizo is a traditional and flavorful sausage that is a staple in Mexican cuisine. This sausage is typically made from ground pork, seasoned with a blend of spices and herbs that give it a bold and spicy flavor. It is often used as a filling for tacos, burritos, and other dishes, adding a rich and savory element to the meal.

Homemade Mexican Chorizo
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Prep Time:

45 mins

Additional Time:

1 hr 30 mins

Total Time:

2 hrs 15 mins

Servings:

8

Yield:

8 sausages

Ingredients

15 dried red chile peppers, seeded
2 ¼ pounds boneless, skinless pork butt, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
7 ounces pork fat, cut into 1/2-inc cubes
5 whole allspice berries
5 whole cloves
¼ cup cider vinegar
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
½ teaspoon cumin seeds
1 hog casing

Directions

Step 1

Place chile peppers in a bowl and cover with hot water. Soak until softened, about 30 minutes.

Step 2

Meanwhile, place pork butt and pork fat in the freezer for 30 minutes. Chill meat grinder in the freezer to make grinding the meat easier.

Step 3

Grind allspice berries and cloves using a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder. Set aside.

Step 4

Drain chile peppers and place in a food processor or blender. Add vinegar and puree until smooth.

Step 5

Fit the chilled meat grinder with a medium plate. Pass the partially frozen pork and fat through the grinder. Combine ground meat with pureed chile peppers, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and cumin in a bowl. Mix well with your hands for 2 to 3 minutes. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and chill for 1 hour, or overnight.

Step 6

Meanwhile, soak casing in cold water for about 30 minutes. Place the wide end of a small sausage-stuffing funnel up against the sink tap and run cold water through the inside of the casing.

Step 7

Use the medium sausage-stuffing funnel attachment and place casing on the outside of the tube. Start passing meat mixture through the funnel, stopping just as it starts to come out the other end. Tie the casing into a knot at the end, then continue passing the meat mixture through the funnel, supporting the sausage with your other hand. Once the meat mixture is finished, tie the other end of the casing into a knot.

Step 8

Twist the casing at regular intervals to create individual links, alternating between twisting in opposite directions. Poke 2 to 3 small holes into each sausage with a metal skewer to allow air to escape during cooking.

Step 9

Cook as desired or chill in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

496

Calories

39g

Fat

8g

Carbs

27g

Protein

Complement

One of the defining characteristics of homemade Mexican chorizo is its versatility. It can be made with different types of meat, such as beef or chicken, and the spices and seasonings can be adjusted to suit individual preferences. This allows for a wide range of flavor profiles, from mild and smoky to fiery and intense. Additionally, making chorizo at home gives cooks the freedom to control the quality and freshness of the ingredients, ensuring a delicious and authentic final product. Whether used as a topping for breakfast dishes or incorporated into a hearty stew, homemade Mexican chorizo adds a distinct and delicious taste to any meal.