Cuban Chickpeas And Chorizo (Portuguese Sausage)
A hearty Cuban-inspired dish combining chickpeas, chorizo, and smoky spices, perfect for comforting meals with bold flavors suited for gatherings or family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup olive oil ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 2 to 3 garlic cloves
- 1 small green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 can kitchen-ready tomatoes
- 1 can chicken broth ⓘ
- 3 cans chickpeas, drained ⓘ
- 3 to 4 medium chorizos ⓘ
- 1/4 pound baked ham, chopped ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons oregano ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons basil ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons cumin ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large skillet, over low heat, heat the olive oil.
- Add the chopped onion, green pepper, and garlic, stirring until tender, about 6 to 8 minutes.
- Add the kitchen-ready tomatoes, chicken broth, oregano, basil, cumin, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook until heated through.
- Add the drained chickpeas, chorizo slices, and chopped baked ham.
- Reduce heat to low and cook for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth, consider using smoked paprika alongside the cumin for a richer flavor. If chorizo isn't available, any flavorful sausage can work as a substitute. Adjust the garlic to your preference, as more can enhance the dish's aroma. Fresh herbs like cilantro can replace parsley for a different twist. This dish can also benefit from a splash of lime juice before serving for brightness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Cuban Chickpeas and Chorizo over rice or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. It pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside Chicken Adobo for a diverse flavor experience, or enjoy with a side of tangy coleslaw for added crunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. This dish also freezes well; store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cuban Chickpeas And Chorizo (Portuguese Sausage) contains roughly 400 calories, with 14g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (190% of the Daily Value), calcium (66% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (59% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 631mg per serving (27% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by omitting the chorizo and ham. Consider adding extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for texture and flavor. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to maintain the dish's heartiness while keeping it meat-free.
What can I use instead of chickpeas?
If you don't have chickpeas on hand, white beans or lentils can be used as alternatives. They provide a similar texture and absorb the flavors of the dish well. However, adjust cooking times as lentils cook faster than chickpeas.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Absolutely! If using fresh tomatoes, you'll need about 4-5 medium-sized ones, chopped. Blanch them first to remove the skins for a smoother sauce. Keep in mind that fresh tomatoes may require longer cooking to break down compared to canned ones.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).