A Deep Dive Into the World of Chicharrones and Its Possibilities
Eat it in the afternoon wrapped in a soft flour tortilla or have it in the evening with a spicy green chili sauce, or even as a chip dipped in salsa. If you’ve grown up in the Southwest you’ve heard the word before and have likely eaten some version of the dish. If you’re not in the Southwest or have somehow never been to a Mexican restaurant, you might be surprised to learn about this incredibly versatile and seasoned dish. Pork is a signature ingredient in Mexican food and what is normally called chicharrones is used as a main course, burrito stuffing, or as a side snack. So, what’s the deal with this delicious food?
These crackly morsels of pigskin are an acquired taste for some but for millions of Americans, it is a staple dish. Essentially chicharrones are pork rind pieces that started in Spain, spread to Latin America, and now find themselves in the United States. These are used in many other cuisines, not just Mexican, including Filipino, Brazilian, Cuban, and Argentinian. The main ingredient is, of course, pork skin taken off the belly of the pig. One of the things that makes the dish stand out and be a favorite is the crunchy texture. It might look slightly different in other parts of the world, but the idea is the same.
Venezuela: It is served as a roadside food on the highways or roads.
Peru: Served as an appetizer with hot sauce or onions
Bolivia: Typically served on Sundays with a tomato salsa
How to Get the Pork Fest Started
There are many ways to prepare but it typically begins by removing excess fat, which is scraped away from the small pieces. Whatever is leftover, is then diced into smaller squares or potable portions and slow boiled or oven-baked. In Mexico, the dish is often served with chili peppers, lime juice, and salt and be your typical snack. It can be something to munch on or served as the course for lunch or dinner.
Chicharron Ideas — A Few Ways To Prepare This Delicious Dish
There are likely a thousand ways to actually consume this delicious, we thought we’d go into a few ideas that can help you get started.
Chicharron Tacos
For the Main Dish:
Salsa verde chicharron tacos. The name says it all, but here we go. Try this to serve at a party or gathering, or even a family celebration. You can never go wrong with tacos!
You will need:
- Salsa Verde
- Chicharrones
- Crushed chicharrones for garnish
- Corn tortilla
- Sour cream (and other taco helpings you like)
Then you will:
Get out the large skillet and throw in the chicharrones with some water. Cook over moderately high heat until the water is absorbed. Add the salsa verde and continue cooking over moderately high heat. Then season with salt and to taste. Finally, prepare your tacos and enjoy.
Chicharron in Red Salsa
For the Main Dish:
If you want to have chicharrones as a stand-alone dish but served in a tasty and spicy (or not so spicy) salsa,
You will need:
- Chicharrones
- Tomatoes
- Serrano peppers
- Chopped onion
- Vegetable oil
- Cilantro
Then you will:
Begin by soaking the chicharrones in water. You want them to become a little soft and absorb some of the moisture. Place the tomatoes, peppers, and garlic in a soft sauce and begin cooking them for a few minutes with some oil. Then blend the results, as this will be used as your salsa. Put this aside for a moment. Then heat the oil for a moment and do this with your onions and then add the sauce. Finally, drain the chicharrones and add the sauce to the main pork rinds and you are good to go!
Crackly Pork Rinds
For the Main Dish
Get some chicharrones and cook them over the skillet. Let them get crunchy and crispy and serve them as a side or as a snack dish.
You will need:
- Your favorite salsa or salsa dip
- Cilantro, tomato, and onion for pico de gallo
- Chicharrones
Then you will:
Cook the chicharrones and let them get crispy. Take them out and season to taste with salt and pepper, or other spices that you might like.
Chicharrones are a pretty healthy snack with some healthy fats and are not as high in cholesterol as one might think. If prepared well and properly seasoned, you got yourself a pretty paleo-friendly snack for the whole family.
Do Mexican Food Right With Productos Real
The recipes for chicharrones are quite easy, what might be a little difficult is finding quality chicharrones. And that’s where Productos Real comes in! We have ready to eat chicharrones that you can use for your favorite tacos, meal, or snack. Having a family party? There is no better way to satisfy people’s hunger than with chicharrones. Just add the salsa and beer and you got yourself a great time! Call us today and find out more about our products and how we can help you prepare quality Mexican foods.