Chistorra a la Sidra (Basque Sausage in Cider)
A classic Basque pintxo featuring thin, flavorful chistorra sausage simmered and then pan-fried in hard cider until caramelized and slightly crisp. The cider's subtle sweetness and acidity beautifully complement the rich, savory sausage.
🧂 Ingredients
- 400 g Chistorra sausage
- 200 ml Dry hard cider
- 4 slices Crusty bread
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the Chistorra: Using a fork or the tip of a sharp knife, prick the chistorra sausages all over. This allows the fat to render and prevents them from bursting during cooking. Be careful not to pierce them too deeply.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 2
Begin the Simmer: Place the pricked chistorra sausages in a cold skillet or frying pan. Pour the hard cider over the sausages. There should be just enough liquid to partially submerge them.
⏱️ 1 minute - 3
Cook and Reduce: Place the skillet over medium-high heat. Bring the cider to a gentle simmer. Allow the sausages to simmer in the cider for about 8-10 minutes, turning them occasionally. The liquid will start to reduce and thicken.
⏱️ 8-10 minutes - 4
Caramelize and Brown: Continue cooking over medium-high heat, uncovered. As the cider reduces further, it will begin to coat the sausages, causing them to caramelize and brown. Stir or toss the sausages frequently to ensure even browning and prevent sticking. If the pan becomes too dry and the sausages start to scorch before browning nicely, you can add the optional tablespoon of olive oil. Cook until the sausages are nicely browned and slightly crisp in places, and most of the cider has evaporated into a glaze.
⏱️ 5-7 minutes - 5
Serve: Remove the chistorra from the pan. Serve immediately while hot, accompanied by slices of crusty bread for dipping into the flavorful pan juices. This dish is best enjoyed as a pintxo or appetizer.
⏱️ 1 minute
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Chistorra is a thin, fresh Basque sausage known for its vibrant flavor. Its thinness allows it to cook quickly and achieve a nice crisp exterior.
- ✓The hard cider not only tenderizes the sausage but also adds a subtle sweetness and acidity that cuts through the richness of the pork.
- ✓This dish is a quintessential Spanish bar snack (pintxo) and is best served hot.
- ✓Ensure your pan is large enough to hold the sausages in a single layer for even cooking.
🔄 Variations
- Chistorra a la Sidra con Pimientos: Add thinly sliced red or green bell peppers to the pan during the last 5-7 minutes of cooking (step 4) for added color and flavor.
- Chistorra al Vino Tinto: Substitute dry red wine for the hard cider for a different flavor profile.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the cider in step 2 if you prefer a spicier sausage.