Homemade Fresh Chorizo

A flavorful homemade Mexican-style chorizo made with dried New Mexico chiles, garlic, and smoked paprika. This fresh sausage combines ground pork with a rich chile paste for an authentic taste that can be used in various Mexican dishes.

6 servings
46 min

Ingredients

  • 6 whole dried New Mexico chiles
  • 8 cloves garlic cloves
  • 3 tablespoons smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 pounds ground pork
  • Ingredient info: Dried New Mexico chiles are sold at specialty foods stores
  • Latin markets
  • and some supermarkets. Smoked paprika is available at most supermarkets.

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    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.

    5 min

  2. 2.

    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.

    15 min

  3. 3.

    Transfer chiles with seeds and soaking liquid to a blender. Add garlic, paprika, 1 tablespoon salt, and pepper; pulse until a paste forms.

    5 min

  4. 4.

    Combine pork and chile paste in a large bowl. Gently mix until just blended (do not overwork the meat).

    5 min

  5. 5.

    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.

    16 min

Recommended to use Recipe Notes to manage your recipes