Choripan, a quintessential Argentinian street food, tantalizes the senses with its incredible smoky flavors. This simple yet flavorful sandwich, combining spicy chorizo with crusty bread, is a beloved staple at Argentinian barbecues and a must-try for any sandwich lover.
Why Try Choripan?
Authentic Argentine Flavor
Choripan is a quintessential Argentine street food that offers an authentic taste of South American cuisine. The juicy, grilled chorizo sausage, combined with the tangy chimichurri sauce and fresh bread, creates a flavor profile that is both robust and satisfying.
Perfect for Grilling Lovers
For those who love to grill, Choripan is an excellent choice. Grilling the chorizo to perfection and toasting the bread on the grill adds a smoky depth to the sandwich, making it a favorite for barbecue gatherings and outdoor cooking.
Simple yet Versatile
While the traditional Choripan is simple, with few key ingredients, it’s incredibly versatile. You can customize it with various types of sausages, bread, and toppings, making each Choripan experience uniquely delicious.
Quick and Easy to Prepare
Choripan is not just tasty but also quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for a fast, satisfying meal. Whether it’s a family dinner or a meal with friends, it’s a convenient option that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
Choripan Cooking Time
Preparing and cooking Choripan is quick and simple, usually taking about 20-30 minutes. This includes grilling the chorizo, which takes about 15-20 minutes to get perfectly cooked and juicy, and assembling the sandwich with your choice of condiments and bread.
Pro Tips to make the best Choripan
- Choose the Right Chorizo: Opt for high-quality, fresh chorizo for the best flavor. Argentinian or Spanish chorizo varieties work best.
- Grill to Perfection: Ensure your chorizo is grilled until it’s slightly charred on the outside but still juicy inside.
- Select Good Bread: Use fresh, crusty bread like a baguette or artisan roll to hold up to the juices of the chorizo.
- Add Fresh Toppings: Incorporate ingredients like chimichurri sauce, salsa criolla, or simple lettuce and tomato to enhance the flavors.
- Balance the Flavors: If your chorizo is very spicy, balance it with milder toppings or vice versa.
Choripan Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of chimichurri sauce for an authentic Argentinian experience.
- Accompany with grilled vegetables or a fresh salad to balance out the meal.
- Offer a variety of condiments, like salsa criolla or mustard, for added flavor.
- Pair with a cold beer or a glass of Malbec wine for a complete Argentinian dining experience.
How to Store?
Choripan is best enjoyed fresh, but store the chorizo and bread separately if you have leftovers. Chorizo can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, while bread should be stored in a bread box or airtight container. Reassemble the sandwich when ready to eat.
Recipe Variations
Different Sausages
For a vegetarian twist, experiment with various types of sausages like Italian sausage, bratwurst, or even plant-based sausages. Each type offers a unique flavor profile and texture to the Choripan.
Assorted Condiments
Beyond chimichurri, try other condiments such as mustard, mayo, or even a spicy aji sauce. Each condiment can drastically change the flavor dynamic of the sandwich.
Cheese Topping
Adding a slice of cheese like provolone or mozzarella can give the sandwich a deliciously melty texture and rich flavor, creating a more indulgent version.
Spicy Kick
Incorporate spicy elements like jalapenos, hot sauce, or spicy chimichurri for those who prefer a bit of heat. It adds an exciting layer of flavor to the classic Choripan.
Healthier Alternatives
For a healthier version, opt for whole grain bread, lean turkey, or chicken sausage, and add more fresh vegetables like avocado or arugula.
Reheating Guidelines
To reheat the Choripan, wrap the chorizo in foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. If the bread is also being reheated, toast it separately for 2-3 minutes to maintain its crispness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bread soggy and the sausage rubbery.
Choripan
Equipment
- Grill or Skillet
- Tongs
- Serrated Knife
- Cutting board
- Food Processor
- Serving Plates
Ingredients
- Chorizo links (natural casings)
- Baguettes or rolls
- Fresh tomatoes (chopped)
- Olive oil (Extra Virgin)
- Flat leaf parsley
- Garlic cloves (Peeled)
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Dried oregano, ground cumin, salt, crushed red pepper
Instructions
- Start by preheating your grill to medium heat.
- Cut the baguettes into sections and butter them. Brush the insides with olive oil.
- Get your fresh tomatoes chopped and ready.
- Combine olive oil, parsley, garlic, red wine vinegar, oregano, cumin, salt, and red pepper in a food processor. Blend until smooth, adjusting consistency with olive oil.
- Grill the baguettes for 30-60 seconds until they have nice grill marks, then set aside.
- Depending on whether your chorizo is pre-cooked, grill for 5-6 minutes or 10-12 minutes, flipping once.
- Let the chorizo cool slightly after grilling.
- Spread chimichurri on the toasted baguettes and add the grilled chorizo.
Video
Notes
- Chorizo Selection: Opt for fresh chorizo in natural casings for the best flavor and texture. The choice between spicy and mild chorizo can greatly influence the overall taste of your Choripan.
- Chimichurri Sauce Consistency: The consistency of chimichurri sauce is crucial. It should be thick yet spreadable. If it's too thick, add more olive oil; if it's too thin, add more parsley.
- Grilling Techniques: If you can’t access a grill, you can cook the chorizo in a skillet over medium heat. The goal is to achieve a slightly crispy exterior while ensuring the sausage is cooked through.
- Toasting the Baguettes: Be cautious not to over-toast the baguettes. They should be just lightly golden and crispy on the outside while still soft on the inside. Over-toasting can make them too hard and difficult to eat.
- Customizing Your Choripan: Feel free to customize your Choripan with additional toppings like avocado slices, grilled onions, or a slice of cheese. Remember, the best Choripan caters to your taste preferences.
- Total Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
- Sodium: 870 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Dietary Fiber: 2 g
- Sugars: 5 g
- Protein: 22 g