liver sausage

Leberwurst – A Traditional Homemade Delicacy

Leberwurst is a traditional sausage recipe that combines simple yet flavorful ingredients. These sausages, with a rich texture and intense taste, are often prepared for special occasions but can be enjoyed anytime you want to indulge in a delicious dish. In this recipe, you will learn how to prepare leberwurst at home, step by step, with helpful tips and information about each ingredient.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10 servings

Basic ingredients

- Pork liver: 1 kg
- Raw bacon: 500 g
- Skin: 800 g
- Pig's head: 2 kg
- Bread roll: 500 g
- Onion: 500 g
- Lard: 150 g
- Pepper: 3 g
- Allspice: 2 g
- Salt: to taste
- Beef casings: for stuffing

A brief history

Leberwurst has deep roots in culinary tradition, with a rich history where meat preparation was essential for food preservation. This recipe has been passed down from generation to generation, with each family having its unique version. Whether it's a holiday recipe or a weekend meal, leberwurst remains a symbol of hospitality and culinary tradition.

Preparation steps

1. Boiling the ingredients: Start by placing the pig's head and skin in a large pot with cold water. Boil them over medium heat until tender, about 1-2 hours. This essential step will help extract the flavors from the meat.

2. Deboning and chopping: Once the pig's head is cooked, remove it from the pot and let it cool slightly. Debone the meat and chop it into small pieces. Cut the skin into thin strips.

3. Preparing the liver: Wash the pork liver and cut it into strips, then blanch it for a few minutes until the blood disappears. This step is important to ensure a smooth texture of the sausages.

4. Boiling the bacon: Boil the raw bacon separately in water for 10-15 minutes, then let it cool and cut it into cubes.

5. Preparing the bread: Cut the bread roll into slices and soak it in cold water for a few minutes. Squeeze the slices well to remove excess water.

6. Sautéing the onion: Finely chop the onion and sauté it in lard until golden. The flavors of the sautéed onion will add extra taste to the sausages.

7. Grinding the mixture: In a large bowl, mix the meat from the head, skin, liver, sautéed onion, and squeezed bread. Use a meat grinder to grind everything 2-3 times until you achieve a homogeneous mixture.

8. Seasoning: Add the bacon cubes and spices (salt, pepper, allspice) to the meat mixture. Mix well to integrate all the flavors.

9. Stuffing the casings: Fill the beef casings with the obtained mixture, being careful not to overfill them to allow for expansion during cooking. Tie the ends with string to prevent them from coming apart.

10. Boiling the sausages: Place the stuffed sausages in a pot of hot water (94-95 °C) and let them boil for 40 minutes. This step ensures they cook evenly and remain juicy.

11. Finishing: After boiling, remove the sausages from the water and let them cool. You can fry them in a pan with a little oil or lard until they become golden and crispy.

Serving suggestions

Leberwurst is delicious served warm, alongside pickles or a fresh salad. You can pair it with homemade bread or a mustard sauce for a unique culinary experience. Additionally, you can add a few slices of aged cheese for a savory contrast.

Possible variations

There are numerous variations of the leberwurst recipe. You can add herbs like dill or parsley, or experiment with other types of meat, such as beef or lamb. Additionally, you can adjust the spices to your preferences, adding, for example, garlic or chili for a more intense flavor.

Nutritional information

This leberwurst recipe has a moderate caloric content, considering the protein-rich ingredients. Pork liver is an excellent source of vitamins (especially B12) and minerals, while bacon provides healthy fats, but it is important to consume it in moderation.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other types of meat?
Yes, you can experiment with other types of meat, such as beef or lamb, depending on your preferences.

2. How can I store leberwurst?
After preparation, the sausages can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days, or you can freeze them for later consumption.

3. What drinks pair well with leberwurst?
Leberwurst pairs perfectly with craft beer or a light red wine, which will complement the intense flavors of the dish.

Conclusion

Preparing leberwurst at home is a rewarding activity that will not only delight your taste buds but also bring a touch of nostalgia. This recipe is a testament to culinary tradition and your cooking skills. Once you embrace the art of making leberwurst, you'll want to share it with friends and family, turning every meal into a celebration of flavors. So, put on your apron, gather the ingredients, and start your culinary adventure!