Sometimes one ingredient can make such a difference in a recipe that it turns something mundane into a revelation. Here at Kitchen Daily we think chorizo is one of those ingredients. The Spanish pork sausage is packed with so much flavor (from spices like cumin and paprika) that just a bit of it can transform a recipe. We're here to show you how it's done.

If you've never cooked with Spanish chorizo before, all you need to know is that it doesn't need a long time to cook, since it's fully cured. A brief saute is all that's required to crisp up the sausage and extract the flavor and bright red color (note: it will dye everything else in the pan!) -- simply slice or dice the chorizo before heating it.

Quick Ideas For Using Chorizo:

Add it to eggs: When you're making eggs in the morning, saute some sliced chorizo alongside for a tastier substitute for bacon.

Add it to rice: Some sauteed diced or sliced chorizo is a great addition to rice. Enjoy it as a side dish or main dish.

Add it to pasta: If you want to add some bold flavor to any simple pasta dish, add sauteed sliced chorizo.

Add it to soup: Add sauteed sliced or diced chorizo to a potato soup or any bean soup -- it will add amazing flavor and color.

Browse our slideshow below to see more ideas for transforming your recipes with chorizo.

Have you used chorizo to transform a recipe? Let us know below.

Loading Slideshow...

  • Chorizo With Rice

    Chorizo is a typical ingredient in the famous paellas of Spain, but you don't need to make an elaborate version at home. Just combine chorizo with rice to create this simple and satisfying recipe that's great as either a side dish or main dish. <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/chorizo-paella_n_1057204.html" target="_hplink">Chorizo Paella</a> recipe</strong>

  • Chorizo Tapas

    Tapas are the Spanish version of appetizers. This classic recipe has chorizo poached in red wine, which adds lots of bold flavor and color. Serve this dish as a party appetizer paired with some crusty bread and wine or beer. <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/chorizo-poached-in-red-wi_n_1058325.html" target="_hplink">Chorizo Poached in Red Wine</a> recipe</strong>

  • Chorizo Rolls

    This take on South American empanadas uses phyllo dough to roll up a filling of crumbled goat cheese and chopped chorizo. It's a flavorful appetizer or snack that's easy to prepare -- simply assemble, bake and serve. <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/goat-cheese--chorizo-rol_n_1058413.html" target="_hplink">Goat Cheese and Chorizo Rolls</a> recipe</strong>

  • Chorizo With Potatoes

    All this dish consists of is potatoes, onions and chorizo -- it's a rustic, hearty and delicious combination that's great for supper. Feel free to vary the recipe by adding bell peppers, tomatoes or hot chiles. <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/potatoes-with-chorizo_n_1061254.html" target="_hplink">Potatoes with Chorizo</a> recipe</strong>

  • Chorizo In Pasta

    You don't need a lot of chorizo to add flavor to a simple pasta dish. In this recipe, chorizo is used as the accent for a spring pasta dish that includes pan-fried artichokes and fennel. Garnish with baby arugula and shaved cheese. <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/pan-fried-artichokes-fen_n_1057557.html" target="_hplink">Pan-Fried Artichokes, Fennel and Chorizo Tagliatelle</a> recipe</strong>

  • Chorizo With Fish

    Chorizo adds a lot of flavor to mild white fish such as cod -- it's actually a classic pairing in Spanish cuisine. In this recipe, the fish is topped with sauteed chorizo, grape tomatoes and white beans, then it's baked just until cooked through. Serve with boiled potatoes or bread to mop up the sauce. <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/baked-cod-with-chorizo--_n_1056642.html" target="_hplink">Baked Cod with Chorizo and White Beans</a> recipe</strong>

  • Chorizo With Eggs

    If you're tired of the usual bacon and eggs for breakfast, try this recipe, which pairs eggs with chorizo. Both the eggs and the chorizo are cooked in garlic-infused olive oil. Serve with crusty bread for a hearty breakfast or even supper. <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/fried-egg-with-chorizo_n_1061324.html" target="_hplink">Fried Egg with Chorizo</a> recipe</strong>

  • Chorizo In Soup

    Chorizo makes a great addition to soup, adding lots of flavor. Use it to dress up ho-hum black bean soup. Add a mound of yellow rice and you've got a very enjoyable meal. <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/sherried-black-bean-soup-_n_1056847.html" target="_hplink">Sherried Black Bean Soup with Chorizo</a> recipe</strong>

  • Chorizo Stuffed In Pork

    Chorizo makes a very flavorful stuffing in this pork tenderloin recipe. The stuffing also includes spinach and extra-sharp cheddar cheese. Don't be afraid to stuff the pork -- all you need to do is split it lengthwise, pound it to an even thickness and stuff, roll and tie. <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/chorizo-stuffed-pork-tend_n_1062288.html" target="_hplink">Chorizo-Stuffed Pork Tenderloin</a> recipe</strong>

  • Chorizo With Mussels

    Chorizo makes a great pairing with seafood, such as clams, shrimp or mussels. This recipe for mussels is inspired by both Spain and Mexico since it uses Spanish chorizo and Mexican beer. The chorizo adds lots of flavor and color to the mussel broth. Serve with bread for an appetizer or main dish. <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/mussels-south-of-two-bord_n_1061892.html" target="_hplink">Mussels</a> recipe</strong>

  • Chorizo With Beans

    Use chorizo to dress up frozen lima beans to create this smoky and flavorful side dish. Or use the dish as a topping for garlic toast for a great appetizer or snack. Feel free to change up the dish and make it with canned white beans. <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/lima-beans-with-chorizo_n_1061520.html" target="_hplink">Lima Beans with Chorizo</a> recipe</strong>


Related on HuffPost: