To make this recipe a success, here are the tools you will need:
A large frying pan or skillet: Ideal for cooking all ingredients evenly.
A sharp knife: For easily cutting chorizo, vegetables, and herbs.
A wooden spatula: For mixing the rice thoroughly without crushing it.
Additional Accessories
A cutting board: Preferably made of wood to preserve the sharpness of the knives.
A tight-fitting lid: Essential for letting the rice simmer slowly and absorb the flavors.
In the next part, we’ll take a detailed look at how to make this delicious chorizo and tomato rice step by step, along with tips for getting the perfect result every time.
How to Make Perfect Chorizo and Tomato Rice
After discovering the essential ingredients and essential tools in the first part, let’s move on to preparing chorizo and tomato rice. Follow these simple steps for a delicious dish with well-balanced Mediterranean flavors.
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Before you begin cooking, make sure you have all your ingredients ready. This preparation step will allow you to cook with peace of mind and optimize cooking time.
Chop the onion and garlic:
Peel the onion and dice it.
Do the same with the garlic cloves, chopping them finely.
The garlic and onion will provide an intense aromatic base.
Cut the red pepper:
Wash the pepper, remove the seeds and white membrane.
Cut it into small cubes so it fits well in the dish.
Prepare the chorizo:
If your chorizo has a tough skin, remove it.
Cut it into rounds about 5 mm thick.
You can also cut some of the rounds into half-moons if you prefer smaller pieces.
Step 2: Brown the Chorizo
Cooking the chorizo is a key step, as it allows its aromas and oil to be extracted, which will then coat the rice to give it that characteristic smoky taste.
Heat the olive oil:
In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
Brown the chorizo:
Add the chorizo slices and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side.
When they begin to crisp and the red oil from the chorizo begins to release, remove them from the pan with a slotted spoon and set them aside on a plate.
Tip: This oil is full of flavor, so don’t throw it away. It will be used to sauté the vegetables and flavor the entire dish.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
The onion, garlic, and pepper will infuse the flavors of the chorizo and form a flavorful base for the rice.
Cook the onion and garlic:
In the same pan, add the chopped onion and minced garlic.
Sauté over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes until translucent.
Add the pepper:
Add the diced bell peppers and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring regularly.
The bell peppers should become slightly tender but still retain a slight firmness.
Season with spices:
Sprinkle with a teaspoon of paprika and a teaspoon of dried oregano.
Mix well to coat the vegetables and intensify the flavors.
Step 4: Add the Rice and Tomatoes
At this stage, the rice begins to absorb the aromas and takes on its full flavor.
Add the rice:
Add 200g of rice directly to the pan.
Mix well to coat each grain with the oil and spice mixture.
This technique allows the rice to absorb more flavor from the start.
Add the crushed tomatoes:
Pour in the can of chopped tomatoes (400g).
Mix gently to distribute the tomatoes throughout the dish.
Tip: If using fresh tomatoes, remember to peel and chop them before adding them.
Step 5: Cook and Simmer the Rice
It is at this stage that the rice will cook slowly and absorb the broth, spices and flavors of the chorizo.
Pour in the hot broth:
Add 500 ml of chicken or vegetable stock to the pan.
Mix well until everything is evenly combined.
Add the chorizo:
Add the reserved chorizo slices.
Mix lightly to distribute the ingredients evenly.
Simmer:
Reduce the heat and cover the pan.
Let it cook over low heat for 15 to 20 minutes, until the rice has absorbed all the liquid.
Stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Tip: If the rice is still not tender enough at the end of the cooking time, add a little more broth and continue cooking for a few minutes.
Step 6: Adjust Seasoning and Serve
Check the rice is cooked:
Taste a grain to see if it is tender.
Adjust the salt and pepper to your liking.
Add a touch of freshness:
Sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped parsley just before serving.
This will add a touch of color and lightness.
Serve very hot:
Serve directly in soup plates.
You can accompany this dish with a green salad or a few slices of crusty bread.
Tips for Successful Chorizo Rice
Do not stir the rice too much during cooking: This could make it sticky instead of remaining well aerated.
Add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving: It will enhance the flavors and bring a note of freshness.
Let the rice rest for 5 minutes after cooking: This allows the flavors to develop well.
Add a little grated cheese (like Parmesan or Manchego) for an extra gourmet touch.
How to Store Chorizo Rice?
