Portuguese Starter
Chouriço Assado
Portuguese chouriço flambéed or grilled until blistered and smoky.
5 minsPrep time
15 minsCook time
Serves 4Servings
EasyDifficulty
Nutrition
Estimated nutrition per serving
These figures are estimates per serving. Actual nutrition can vary with the brands and exact amounts you use, how much oil, dressing or sauce is absorbed, any substitutions or added extras, and the portion size served.A practical guide for comparing recipes and planning meals.
340Calories
18gProtein
24gCarbs
19gFat
Ingredients
What you need
- 300 portuguese chourico, whole
- 60 aguardente, optional for flaming
- 300 rustic bread, sliced
Method
Step-by-step method
Follow the recipe in order, tasting and adjusting seasoning where needed.
- Score the chouriço diagonally every 2 cm without cutting through. Place in a flameproof clay dish or under a hot grill.
- For grilling, cook 8–12 cm from the heat for 10–14 minutes, turning, until the skin blisters and fat renders.
- For the traditional flame method, warm aguardente, pour into the clay dish and ignite carefully away from overhead cupboards.
- Turn the sausage with long tongs until the flame dies and the surface is browned. Never add alcohol to a live flame.
- Rest 3 minutes, slice and serve with bread to catch the spiced fat.
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Tips, storage and serving advice
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Ingredient quality
Common mistakes
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Make ahead
Storage and reheating
Wine pairing
What to drink with Chouriço Assado
These are wine-style pairings, so you can choose any bottle in that style rather than needing one exact producer. Look for the grape, region or style name on the label.Pairings are chosen around the dish’s flavour, texture, richness, acidity and cooking style, not just the country it comes from.
#1
Excellent match
White
Albariño / Vinho Verde
Why it works:
- Flavour bridge: the wine's fruit, savoury notes and freshness create a natural bridge to the dish
- Acidity: Acidity keeps the pairing lively and food-focused
- Body: Body is matched to the overall weight of the dish
- Tannin: Tannin level is kept appropriate to the dish's protein and texture
- Sweetness: Dry unless the dish benefits from a touch of residual sweetness
- Best for: Dinner, entertaining or recipe pairing
#2
Great match
Sparkling
Sparkling Brut
Why it works:
- Flavour bridge: the wine's fruit, savoury notes and freshness create a natural bridge to the dish
- Acidity: Acidity keeps the pairing lively and food-focused
- Body: Body is matched to the overall weight of the dish
- Tannin: Tannin level is kept appropriate to the dish's protein and texture
- Sweetness: Dry unless the dish benefits from a touch of residual sweetness
- Best for: Dinner, entertaining or recipe pairing
#3
Interesting match
White
Sauvignon Blanc
Why it works:
- Flavour bridge: the wine's fruit, savoury notes and freshness create a natural bridge to the dish
- Acidity: Acidity keeps the pairing lively and food-focused
- Body: Body is matched to the overall weight of the dish
- Tannin: Tannin level is kept appropriate to the dish's protein and texture
- Sweetness: Dry unless the dish benefits from a touch of residual sweetness
- Best for: Dinner, entertaining or recipe pairing
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