Cook’s notes
How is the dish cooked, exactly? Calabaza (squash) cubes and strips of bell pepper are lightly browned in butter, chopped chorizo and sliced onion are added then everything cooks together in the combination of butter and rendered chorizo fat until the bits of meat are browned, the onion slices are caramelized and the squash cubes are cooked through.
Why brown the squash cubes at all? First and most important reason is that browning forms a crust around them which helps them retain their shape. Without the crusted surface, the squash cubes will fall apart with all the stirring that the dish needs.
The second reason is related to the first. The crust that forms on the surface of the squash cubes is caramelized sugar. What sugar? The natural sugar of the squash. The caramelization gives the squash better flavor overall.
What kind of chorizo is best for this dish? There is no “best” because everyone has his own preference. However, it is ideal to use a highly spiced dried chorizo. Spicy ones, flavored with paprika and chilies (not made red with food color, please), are best.
The chorizo must also contain enough fat to render. Beacause that fat is what makes this dish so deliriously delicious.
Calabaza con chorizo (squash with sausage)
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cups cubed squash 1″x1″ is a good size
- 1 bell pepper deseeded and cut into strips
- 1 onion peeled and thinly sliced
- salt
- pepper
- 1 cup chopped chorizo
- scallions sliced
Instructions
- Heat the butter in a non-stick frying pan. Swirl to coat the entire bottom.
- Spread the squash cubes on the bottom of the pan.
- Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper.
- Cook over high heat for about a minute until the edges are lightly browned.
- Add the bell pepper strips and cook, tossing a few times, for another minute or so.
- Add the sliced onion and chopped chorizo. Stir.
- Cook over medium heat with occasional stirring until the squash cubes are cooked through (by this time, the pieces of chorizo will be nicely browned and the onion slices will be soft and caramelized).
- Spoon the cooked squash, bell pepper and chorizo into bowls or plates.
- Sprinkle with sliced scallions.
- Serve with bread.
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