Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
One evening, while I was staring blankly into my refrigerator, trying to figure out what to cook for dinner, my eyes landed on a lone zucchini. Not just any zucchini, but one from my garden that had grown to an impressive size. Inspiration struck – zoodles! But I wanted something more than just plain zoodles. I craved a dish bursting with flavor, something that would transport me to a sunny Spanish courtyard. Enter the Spanish chorizo and smoked paprika – a match made in culinary heaven. This recipe isn’t just about making a meal, it’s about creating an experience. The spicy, smoky chorizo perfectly complements the mild zucchini, creating a symphony of flavors that will leave you wanting more. I messed up the first time i made this, lol! I forgot the paprika. It was still yummy, but it just wasn't the same. Smoked paprika, i've learned, is ESSENTIAL.
This recipe is incredibly easy to make and is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a light lunch. It’s also a fantastic option if you're watching your carbs or looking for a healthier alternative to pasta. The spiralized zucchini noodles offer a satisfying bite, while the Spanish chorizo adds a delightful richness and depth of flavor. Plus, it's customizable! Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to suit your taste. What does this mean for you? A tasty way to eat healthy!
Required Equipments
Spiralizer
Large Skillet
Cutting Board
Chef's Knife
Mixing Bowl
Zoodles with Spanish Chorizo and Paprika: A Flavorful Low Carb Delight: Frequently Asked Questions
Zoodles with Spanish Chorizo and Paprika: A Flavorful Low Carb Delight
Enjoy a quick, flavorful, and low-carb meal with Zoodles with Spanish Chorizo and Paprika, a delightful blend of spicy chorizo, smoked paprika, and fresh zucchini noodles.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield:2 servings
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
Get Your Zucchinis Ready: Using a spiralizer, turn the zucchinis into zoodles. If you don’t have a spiralizer, you can use a vegetable peeler to create wide ribbons or simply dice the zucchini into small pieces. Sprinkle the zoodles with a pinch of salt and let them sit in a colander for about 15 minutes. This helps to draw out excess moisture, preventing a watery dish.
Prep the Other Ingredients: While the zoodles are draining, dice the Spanish chorizo into small pieces. Mince the garlic and set aside. If you're using cherry tomatoes, halve or quarter them, depending on their size. Measure out the smoked paprika, olive oil, and any other spices you plan to use.
Cook the Chorizo: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the diced chorizo. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chorizo is browned and has released its flavorful oils – about 5-7 minutes. If the chorizo releases a lot of oil, you may want to drain some of it off, leaving just enough to coat the pan.
Add Garlic and Tomatoes: Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the chorizo. Cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Add the halved or quartered cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, until the tomatoes have softened and released some of their juices.
Cook the Zoodles: Gently squeeze the zoodles to remove any remaining moisture. Add them to the skillet with the chorizo, garlic, and tomatoes. Toss everything together to combine. Sprinkle the smoked paprika (or your spice blend) over the zoodles and chorizo. Cook for 3-5 minutes, until the zoodles are tender-crisp, stirring frequently.
Season and Serve: Taste the zoodles and chorizo mixture. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If you want a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Toss everything together one last time. Serve the zoodles with Spanish chorizo and paprika immediately. Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.