School of tapas: Chorizo a la sidra

Traditional Spanish cooking is uncomplicated most of the times as it basically relies upon premium quality ingredients. Like good chorizo. Chorizo a la sidra or chorizo cooked in cider is one of the simplest tapas and simplest pairings you can find, fine charcuterie fried in good virgin olive oil and then stewed in cider until the liquid is reduced and the slight sweetness of the drink infuses the chorizo… heaven in a tapa. Skeptical? Don’t judge before you try it. This is a tapa that originates in the northern region of Asturias, a lusciously green, misty and humid area where apple orchards are abundant and so are sidrerías or cider houses. Asturian natural cider is a mildly alcoholic beverage made by fermenting apple juice; it is traditionally poured from the bottle from a certain height so that the liquid crashes into the glass and gets somewhat oxygenated. This fizzying effect only lasts a few seconds, that’s why the cider glassful must be gulped down in one go… Fortunately cider can be enjoyed in this tapa in a less compromising way.




Chorizo a la sidra

• 1 good quality chorizo (not the drier type, but tender)
• 1 cup natural cider
• 1 tbsp virgin olive oil

1. Slice the chorizo in 1/2 inch slices and set aside.
2. Pour the oil on a skillet and heat on medium. Add the chorizo slices and fry until they change in color, but don’t overdo it.
3. Add the cider and toss to coat the chorizo. Boil for 10-15 minutes, until the sauce has reduced by one fourth.
4. Serve in small bowls while still warm, though chorizo a la sidra can also be served at ambient too.

Pour yourself a good glass of red wine or cider and enjoy! And don’t forget to finish the resulting sauce by dunking large pieces of bread in it, what is called mojar in Spanish, literally to wet. I believe the act of mojar is in our genes…