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I have to admit that I’ve never watched much of the Food Network. I haven’t had cable since college, and with limited time to watch tv, it seems like all of my favorite dramas and sitcoms have always prevailed over cooking shows. (Yes, believe it, this food blogger will watch Parenthood or The Mindy Project over Giada any day.)
But every now and then, I do tune into the show “Chopped” on Hulu, and love it. Like, ridiculously love it. I know that the whole point of the show is to throw crazy ingredient combinations at these chefs and give them a crazy short period of time to create some sort of masterpiece. But good grief — I’m always in awe of the fact that (most of the time) those chefs actually make it work!!! Spam? Wasabi peas? Chicken intestines? Hakuna matata on “Chopped”.
So when I was approached by McCormick to participate in their Go 4 Gourmet challenge, in which they give cooks 4 surprise ingredients and ask them to incorporate them into a “gourmet” dish, the Wanna-Be-A-Chopped-Chef in me instantly had to agree!
So judge for yourself and see what you think of my little creation!
It all began when I received a package in the mail from McCormick with my surprise four ingredients:
Spanish chorizo, chicken stock, paprika, and brussels sprouts (which I was instructed to pick up at the store).
I was initially thinking it would be fun to do some sort of paella or some gourmet mashed potatoes or stuffed chicken breasts. But after arriving home still sick with this crazy never-ending cold this week, literally the only thing I was craving was a warm bowl of soup. And plus, I feel like the chefs are always praised on “Chopped” for letting the main ingredients shine through. So I decided to toss everything together in a stockpot and see what happened…
…and behold, this Creamy Chorizo and Brussels Sprouts Soup was born.
Basically, I just sauteed all of that yummy chorizo, and then cooked some onion, garlic, and all of the brussels sprouts in the chorizo grease (yes, YUM). Then I added in some potatoes to give it some thickness, and made a tasty simple broth with chicken stock, paprika, salt and pepper. Since the chorizo was already a little on the “indulgent” side, I decided to add in creamy-ness with some evaporated milk instead of heavy cream, which worked out perfectly. And then for a little finishing touch, I topped each bowl with some shredded Manchego cheese for a Spanish kick (or you could cheat and use Italian Parmesan) and a little fresh parsley.
It’s Spanish, simple, savory, and super scrumptious.
And it can be made in about a half hour, which is how I like to do “gourmet”. ;)
Be sure to check out all of the other great recipes in the Go 4 Gourmet challenges too! The next round of ingredients begins this week, and I can’t wait to see what people create with them!
Saute chorizo in a large stockpot over medium high heat until cooked, about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove chorizo with a slotted spoon. Reserve 2 tablespoons of grease in the stockpot, and discard the rest.
Add onion to the stockpot, and saute in the chorizo grease for 5 minutes or until soft and translucent, stirring occasionally. Add garlic and brussels sprouts, and saute for an additional 3 minutes or until the brussels sprouts begin to brown, stirring occasionally. Add chicken broth, potatoes, paprika, salt and pepper, and stir to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
If you would like a pureed soup, blend soup using an immersion blender or stand blender. If you would like a chunkier soup, leave it as is. Stir in evaporated milk and chorizo, reserving 1/4 cup chorizo for toppings if desired. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Serve warm with toppings.
Disclaimer: This is a compensated sponsored post from McCormick. I was invited to be a part of the Go 4 Gourmet challenge, but all opinions are 100% my own as always. Thank you for supporting the amazing brands that help make this site possible!
Hey Ali, I’m Julie, I’ve been mostly a lurker thus far, but I always love your blog. I love the idea of brussels sprouts and chorizo together – two of my favorite things! This looks so perfect. And I love the Chopped-esque challenge you participated in, too – how fun! Looks like you did a great job. Thanks for posting!
Haha! I am the same way. I rarely watch tv, but when I do it is always a drama and never a cooking show. This is such a fun challenge! I love the combo of brussels sprouts with chorizo in soup! I know it is a a little odd, but I totally love it!
What fun!! I too love Chopped and live vicariously while watching the chefs open their baskets. This soup actually sounds like it would be really really good!! I think you are ready to sign up to be on the show!
I always get a touch panicky when I watch chopped thinking, “What would I do with gummy bears, pig liver and Cheetos??!!!” But I love it too.
ANd this soup is the stuff that soup heaven is made of.
Sounds like a fun challenge! I can’t wait to see what you make next.
I’ve actually never had brussels sprouts before, but this soup sounds like a fun introduction. I’m going to have to actually try this one!
Wow, is this great soup. I had some leftover brussels sprouts- googled for a good recipe to use them up before they went bad. Happened to have a link of Spanish chorizo in the fridge, so this was perfecto. I used chopped cauliflower rather than potatoes, and pureed half to keep some chunkiness. Also, threw in some achiote and used smoked paprika- smoky spicy goodness! Thanks!
Great recipe! I used sour cream in place of evaporated milk and added some sweet corn I needed to get rid of, turned out fab! I did add a few punches of cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes to give it a little kick but it probably didn’t need it, just a preference.
Husband said it was so *bleeping* good and the best soup I ever made.
I couldn’t find Spanish chorizo so I used ground chorizo and it came out amazing! It’s super easy and a great alternative to roasting Brussels sprouts.
Hey, I’m Ali!
My favorite thing in life is time spent around the table. And all the better with some seriously tasty food to bring us all together. more about me »
This sounds delicious! We can’t get chorizo in Italy but I’ll certainly give it a go with some Calabrian sausage!
Chorizo and brussels sprouts is an unusual combo – sounds delicious though. I also love how quick it is – that’s always a bonus!
Hey Ali, I’m Julie, I’ve been mostly a lurker thus far, but I always love your blog. I love the idea of brussels sprouts and chorizo together – two of my favorite things! This looks so perfect. And I love the Chopped-esque challenge you participated in, too – how fun! Looks like you did a great job. Thanks for posting!
Haha! I am the same way. I rarely watch tv, but when I do it is always a drama and never a cooking show. This is such a fun challenge! I love the combo of brussels sprouts with chorizo in soup! I know it is a a little odd, but I totally love it!
I really, really want that.
I REALLY want to make a vegan version of this…I am thinking it would be just as tasty! :)
What fun!! I too love Chopped and live vicariously while watching the chefs open their baskets. This soup actually sounds like it would be really really good!! I think you are ready to sign up to be on the show!
brussels in soup?? I love this idea!!!
All over this! This looks seriously amazing!
I always get a touch panicky when I watch chopped thinking, “What would I do with gummy bears, pig liver and Cheetos??!!!” But I love it too.
ANd this soup is the stuff that soup heaven is made of.
I love the idea of a mystery box!! And incorporating brussels sprouts into a soup is GENIUS!
I happen to have a bag of sprouts in my fridge ; ) Love this.
Love the combination of brussels sprouts and chorizo — especially in a soup!!
Sounds like a fun challenge! I can’t wait to see what you make next.
I’ve actually never had brussels sprouts before, but this soup sounds like a fun introduction. I’m going to have to actually try this one!
What a fun challenge! This soup looks so warm and inviting. :D Yum!
You did an awesome job with your challenge. I love it!!
Great job with this challenge, Ali – I’d love a bowl!!
What a great way to enjoy brussels sprouts in a soup!
Great job on your “chopped like” challenge! This soup sounds delicious and comforting on a cold winters day!
This soup is mouthwatering! Anything that has chorizo is a favorite meal of mine :)
Wow, is this great soup. I had some leftover brussels sprouts- googled for a good recipe to use them up before they went bad. Happened to have a link of Spanish chorizo in the fridge, so this was perfecto. I used chopped cauliflower rather than potatoes, and pureed half to keep some chunkiness. Also, threw in some achiote and used smoked paprika- smoky spicy goodness! Thanks!
Just made this soup and subbed the potato with sweet potato, yummmmmm! Thanks boyfriend loves Brussels sprouts and I know he will love this…..
Awesome! We’re so glad you enjoyed it and we hope your boyfriend will too! :)
This recipe is SO good! Prep takes a bit longer, especially if you do not have a food processor to chop up the brussels sprouts, but it’s worth it!
Awesome, glad you enjoyed it!
Great recipe! I used sour cream in place of evaporated milk and added some sweet corn I needed to get rid of, turned out fab! I did add a few punches of cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes to give it a little kick but it probably didn’t need it, just a preference.
Husband said it was so *bleeping* good and the best soup I ever made.
I couldn’t find Spanish chorizo so I used ground chorizo and it came out amazing! It’s super easy and a great alternative to roasting Brussels sprouts.