Chorizo-Loaded Queso

Serves 8

This is an ABSOLUTE must-try! Perfect to take to a barbecue or to watch the rugby at a mate’s place, this shared starter or snack will go down such a treat. The vibrant fresh salsa breaks up the richness of the cheese, and the chorizo really takes it to the next level. I use Bega burger cheese from Gilmours but you could also use Dairyworks Cheddar. If you can’t find chorizo mince, you can squeeze the meat out of fresh chorizo sausages.

Chorizo loaded Queso Photo: Recipes extracted from Together: Food For Sharing by Cherie Metcalfe, photography by Melanie Jenkins (Flash Studios)

Ingredients

• 250 g (9 oz) chorizo mince
• 1 onion, finely diced
• 1 Tbsp Pepper & Me Mexellent Paste
• Corn chips, to serve

Queso

• 250 g (9 oz) cream cheese
• 400 ml (14 fl oz) can evaporated milk
• 2 cups grated tasty cheese
• 300 g (10½ oz) burger cheese or orange cheese
• ¼ cup chopped jalapeños

Avocado Salsa

• 1 red onion, diced
• 1 avocado, diced
• 2 tomatoes, diced
• 1 handful of fresh coriander, chopped
• 2 Tbsp lime juice
• Pepper & Me Chipotle & Lime Salt, to taste

Add chorizo, onion and Mexellent Paste to a pan on medium–low heat and sauté for 3–4 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.

To make Queso, add all the ingredients to the same pan and gently melt on medium heat, stirring constantly until a beautiful smooth cheesy sauce is formed.

To make Avocado Salsa, combine onion, avocado, tomato and coriander and season with a squeeze of lime and some Chipotle & Lime Salt.

Top Queso with chorizo and Salsa, and serve with corn chips.