Chorizo is a highly seasoned pork sausage originating from the Iberian Peninsula, with regional variations across Spain, Portugal, Mexico, and beyond. Its distinctive flavor, robust with smoky, spicy, and savory notes, comes from a blend of ingredients that typically include pork, fat, garlic, salt, and a combination of spices such as smoked paprika and chili peppers. In Spain and Portugal, chorizo is often cured or semi-cured, which gives it a deep red hue and a firm texture. These varieties are typically eaten sliced or diced as part of a charcuterie board, added to stews, or served with cheese and bread.

In Mexico, however, chorizo takes on a different form. Mexican chorizo is usually uncured and sold raw, meaning it must be cooked before consumption. It’s often seasoned with vinegar and local spices, which gives it a tangy, bold flavor that stands out in a variety of dishes. The softer, crumbly texture of Mexican chorizo makes it ideal for cooking into tacos, burritos, eggs, and stuffed peppers.

Chorizo has become globally popular and is a versatile ingredient that can enhance any meal with its savory, smoky, and sometimes spicy flavors. For those who avoid pork, alternatives made with beef, chicken, or even plant-based proteins are available, allowing everyone to experience this bold sausage. The distinctive taste of chorizo can add depth to soups, casseroles, and even pasta dishes, making it a favorite for chefs and home cooks alike. With its rich, bold flavors, chorizo embodies the culinary spirit of the regions it hails from, adding not only a punch of flavor but also a touch of tradition to any meal.

A poblano pepper is a mild chili pepper native to Mexico, known for its earthy flavor and versatility in cooking. Poblanos are dark green, large, and heart-shaped, usually growing 4–6 inches long. They’re mild compared to other chilis, typically measuring 1,000–2,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU), which is much less spicy than a jalapeño.

When dried, poblanos are called “ancho chilis,” which have a deep, smoky flavor often used in sauces, stews, and traditional Mexican dishes like mole. Fresh poblanos are popular for roasting and stuffing due to their size and thickness, making them perfect for recipes like chile rellenos.