Spanish Goodness!

We love Spanish Food- the richness of flavours and the simplicity of the food is something else! We thought we'd share a favourite recipe that uses two pantry staples: Chorizo and Chickpeas.

Chorizo and Chickpea Hotpot ~ Chorizo (pronounced with a 'ch' like cherry) is a paprika and garlic infused Spanish pork sausage. You can buy them fresh or cured.

(serves 4)

Ingredients:

2 chorizo sausages roughly chopped

1 x 400g can chickpeas drained

1 small brown onion finely sliced

2 garlic cloves finely chopped

2 celery stalks roughly chopped

1 red capsicum roughly chopped

2 handfuls of baby spinach washed

1 x 400g tin of chopped tomatoes

1 cup chicken stock

2 small potatoes peeled and chopped into 2cm cubes

1 tsp smoked paprika

1/4 tsp chili flakes

Crusty bread to serve

Method:

Saute the chorizo in a medium saucepan with a little oil until brown. Once the chorizo is brown saute the onion, garlic, capsicum, celery and potatoes for about 5 minutes on medium heat. Add the tomatoes and the stock. Bring to the boil, add the paprika, chili, and spinach. Simmer for about 20 minutes with the lid ajar. Season with salt and pepper.

*Alternatively pre-heat the oven to 200 C, spoon the stew over individual ramekins and crack and egg on top. Bake until the white is set for about 10-12 minutes.

Enjoy our take on Spanish food and indulge in tasty comfort food!

It's not only delish but also very good for you!

Nutritional Facts:

• Capsicums are very high in anti-oxidants (prevent premature aging due to the environment, smoke etc) and an excellent source of vitamin C, they also provide Vitamin B6, folate and betacarotene.
• Eggs are ans excellent and inexpensive source of high quality protein, they provide many vitamins and minerals.
• Chickpeas are one of the most nutritious plant foods- high in protein, B vitamins, iron, potassium and fibre.
• Onions might make you cry but rejoice- they are very good for you. They are a super food that should be included in every savoury meal. They contain sulphur compounds and have anti-inflamatory properties.
• Spinach is rich in potassium and magnesium which are good for keeping your blood pressure in check. Rich in anti-oxidants that may have anticancer activity, good source of vitamin C, good source of lutein which is great for your eye health and vitamin K for bone health.