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Many vegetarians shy away from consuming too many faux meat products, which is totally understandable. Almost all of them are highly processed, which is something I, too, try to avoid. But I do think it's fun to try them all out at least once—especially the really weird ones.
While cruising through Trader Joe's the other day, I noticed a package of new (to me, anyway) soy chorizo. Of course, I had to try it.
It wasn't clearly marked as a replacement for Spanish or Mexican chorizo, so I decided to go in the Spanish direction and use it in a paella/risotto-like dish. Most recipes for chorizo Spanish rice call for sautéing the chorizo as the first step, but soy chorizo crumbles when heated and can easily become overcooked, so I threw mine in at the end. I also went with the poor man's saffron, turmeric, instead of the expensive stuff. The result was a rich dish with some kick from the spices in the soy chorizo.
I know vegan chorizo isn't that weird, and there are stranger faux meats out there. So, tell me about them! What have you tried? Did you love it, or did you hate it? Let us know.
Spanish Rice Spiked With Soy Chorizo2 Tbsp. olive oil1/2 medium onion, diced1/2 green bell pepper, diced1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice1 14-oz. can vegetable broth1/4 cup water1 bay leaf1 14 1/2-oz. can diced tomatoes, undrained1 tsp. ground saffron (or turmeric)1 tsp. smoked paprika1 tsp. thyme16 oz. soy chorizo, slicedSalt and pepper, to taste