Chorizo

Chorizo is a seasoned pork sausage available fresh or cured, usually in links or loose ground. It tastes smoky and garlicky with paprika-driven heat and renders brick-red fat that vividly stains rice and potatoes; fresh styles crumble and brown, while cured styles slice cleanly for firm bites.

Originating in the Iberian Peninsula, it spread through Spain, Portugal, and Latin America, developing into paprika-forward cured Spanish chorizo and chile-vinegar fresh Mexican chorizo. Producers typically use pork shoulder and back fat with garlic, spices, and salt; curing or smoking practices vary by region.