Entree: Panama – Chorizo Tableño (Panamanian fresh pork chorizo sautéed with peppers, onions, and tomatoes and served with rice and fried plantains)

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 20 min

Cook 20 min

Total 40 min

Ingredients

- 6 fresh pork chorizo links, approx. 1 lb (454 g), casings removed
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) annatto oil or 1 tsp (2 g) bijol powder
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced, about 8 oz (225 g)
- 1 green bell pepper, seeded and sliced, about 6 oz (170 g)
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and sliced, about 6 oz (170 g)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced, about 8 oz (225 g)
- 1 tsp (2 g) ground cumin
- 1 tsp (1 g) dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup (15 g) fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 cups (400 g) cooked white rice, for serving
- 2 green plantains, peeled and sliced for frying, about 1 lb (450 g)
- Oil for frying plantains (as needed)
- Lime wedges for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the plantains: heat 1/2 inch vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry plantain slices in batches until golden and cooked through, about 2–3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels and set aside.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add 2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil and annatto oil (or sprinkle bijol). When hot, add the removed chorizo meat and crumble, cooking until browned and most fat has rendered, about 6–8 minutes.
3. Push the chorizo to one side, add the sliced onion and bell peppers to the skillet, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook 1 minute more until fragrant.
4. Stir in the diced tomatoes, ground cumin, and oregano. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until tomatoes break down and flavors meld, about 8–10 minutes. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
5. Mix in chopped cilantro and adjust seasoning. If mixture seems dry, add 2–3 tbsp (30–45 ml) water and simmer briefly.
6. Serve the Chorizo Tableño over warm cooked white rice with fried plantains on the side and lime wedges if desired.