Buffalo Comfort Food

Although the days are getting longer and the sunlight’s warm glow gives the illusion that winter is loosening it’s grip, the single digit temperatures remain.  These are the days we turn to comfort food! Whether you are working outdoors in the cold or wrapping up a long day inside, the savory aroma of a hearty casserole melts the winter blues away.

You’ll want to keep this tasty recipe handy throughout the year.  It is a simple recipe for a full flavored dish that will become a family favorite for eaters and chefs alike.  Cheers! Jill

Buffalo Chorizo Red Sauce & Fusilli Pasta

This recipe only took 15 minutes to make. The Fusilli pasta has a nice firmness and will withstand additional time in the oven to melt the Parmesan and bring out the naturally nutty flavor and add additional texture.

Ingredients:

1 – tablespoon olive oil
1 – 1 lb. Wild Idea Buffalo Chorizo
1 – onion, coarse chopped
1 – teaspoon salt
1 – teaspoon black pepper
1 – tablespoon basil, finely chopped
2 – gloves garlic, chopped
1 – 28 oz. can tomatoes, flash processed
Fusilli Pasta, cooked firm
½ – cup Parmesan, grated

Preparation:

1)   Cook pasta, to a firm al dente.  Reserve 1-cup of pasta water.
2)   In a large saucepan over medium high heat, heat the oil.  Crumble Chorizo Sausage into the pan and add the  chopped onion and spices.  Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the meat is browned.
3)   Add garlic and tomatoes and stir.  Bring the sauce to a full simmer.
4)   Adjust seasoning to taste.
5)   Over medium-high heat, heat half of the pasta water in a pasta pot. Add al dente Fusilli and more of the pasta water if needed.  Cover, allowing for pasta to reheat, for about one minute.  Toss gently and remove the pot from heat.
6)   Pour the desired amount of Sauce into the pasta and gently stir.
7)   Add most of the grated Parmesan and toss into the pasta.
8)   Portion into heat proof serving dishes or dish and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
9)   Place in the middle of the oven under the broiler and allow the top to become slightly browned, about 7 minutes.

Serve with crusty bread and a green salad.