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Chorizo Stuffed Dates with Tomato-Pepper Sauce

Small plates, or tapas, are fun for entertaining. Tapas are more a way of eating than a way of cooking.  In Spain, tapas are commonly served to bridge the time between lunch and dinner when friends gather for a drink after work. 

The word generally refers to the selection of bar foods offered.  In the United States, tapas menus have become popular in restaurants and bars offering patrons a selection of small plates.  You can serve tapas at home.

A Favorite Tapas Dish-Chorizo Stuffed Dates


Chorizo Stuffed Dates with Red Pepper Sauce
Chorizo Stuffed Dates with Red Pepper Sauce


Tapas: noun, small Spanish savory dishes, typically served with drinks at a bar. Tapas is derived from the Spanish verb "tapar" which means "to cover". 

You can make your own tapas at home by putting together a selection of simple, flavorful appetizers.  Include these sweet, yet savory, stuffed Medjool dates with a zesty tomato-red pepper sauce as a tasty mouthful to accompany a glass of wine or your favorite cocktail.

I find that Medjool dates are easier to find in the grocery store this time of year than at other times, so you'll want to make this appetizer now for one of your holiday gatherings.

Chorizo Stuffed Dates with Red Pepper Sauce
These dates are simple to assemble and can be made ahead of time.   You'll also want to make more of these dates than you think you need.  They are addictive.

Chorizo Stuffed Dates with Red Pepper Sauce


Printer Friendly Recipe
Tomato-Pepper Sauce Ingredients
The Pepper Sauce Ingredients
Prepare the Tomato-Pepper Sauce first.
  • 8 ounces of roasted red peppers
  • 16 ounces of canned, whole-peeled tomatoes
  • 6 tablespoons garlic, thinly sliced
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • salt and pepper to taste

Directions
In a medium, heavy pot cook the onion and garlic together over medium heat until translucent.

Add the peppers and tomatoes with their juice.  Cook on low heat for 1 1/2 hours.  Season with salt and pepper to taste.  Cool, then blend or process until smooth.  Refrigerate.

Three Ingredients for Stuffed Dates
Stuffed Dates Ingredients

Chorizo Stuffed Medjool Dates

Makes 4 servings
  • 16 Medjool dates, pitted
  • 8 slices of bacon, cut in half
  • 8 tablespoons uncooked Chorizo
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish


Directions
Slice each date and carefully remove the pit.  Remove the casing from the chorizo sausage and stuff each of the pitted dates with 1/2 tablespoon of the chorizo.

Wrap each stuffed date with 1/2 piece of bacon.

Bacon Wrapped Dates
Bacon-Wrapped Dates Ready for the Oven
When ready to cook, place the dates seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with a rack (to allow the fat to drain).  

Cook in a preheated 350-degree F oven for 15 minutes or until the chorizo is cooked through.  If necessary brown under the broiler until the bacon is crisp.

Stuffed Dates Ready to Serve
Stuffed Dates Ready to Serve
To serve the dates, pour the tomato-pepper sauce into a rimmed serving dish.  Place the dates on top of the sauce and sprinkle with chopped parsley.

Thank you for sharing this recipe on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, and Yum.  Your shares are very much appreciated!

Enjoy!

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