Christmas pudding

Christmas Liver Pudding with Sausages: A Flavorful Delicacy for the Holidays

Christmas is a celebration full of magic, and traditional dishes play an essential role in creating the festive atmosphere. The Christmas liver pudding is a savory dish, rich in flavors and nostalgia, that brings together the robust tastes of pork liver and smoked sausages. This recipe is an improved version of those I prepared in previous years, with slight adjustments that give it a unique touch. I invite you to discover this delight and serve it proudly on your Christmas table!

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Baking Time: 60 minutes
Total: 90 minutes
Number of Servings: 8-10 servings

Necessary Ingredients:

- 500 g pork meat (choose a piece with a higher fat content for a juicy pudding)
- 1 kg pork liver (fresh, for a rich taste)
- 4 smoked sausages (preferably pork, for an intense flavor)
- 5-6 cloves of garlic (for aroma)
- 2 medium onions (for sweetness)
- 5 fresh eggs (to bind the mixture)
- A little oil (to brown the sausages)
- 1 tablespoon flour (for a finer texture)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste (for a nice appearance)
- 1 small glass of brandy (for a special aroma)
- Dried dill (or fresh, to taste)
- Dried parsley (or fresh, for added freshness)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Optional: sweet or hot paprika (for a splash of color and flavor)

Preparing the Liver Pudding: Step by Step

1. Boiling the liver: Start by placing the pork liver in a pot of water, enough to cover it completely. Add a little salt. Bring to a boil, and when the water starts to boil, remove the foam formed with a skimmer. Let the liver boil until tender (about 20-25 minutes), then drain and let it cool.

2. Preparing the mixture: Once the liver has cooled, finely chop it using a meat grinder. Do the same with the pork meat, garlic, and onion. It is important to achieve a homogeneous mixture, so don’t hesitate to mash everything well.

3. Browning the sausages: Cut the sausages into thick pieces of 1-2 cm and brown them in a pan with a little oil until golden. This will add a crispy texture and delicious aroma to the pudding.

4. The final mixture: In a large bowl, combine the chopped liver, meat, onion, garlic, and browned sausages. Let the mixture cook over medium heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring continuously to combine the flavors. Once cooled, add the dill, parsley, 4 eggs, brandy, a little paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until you obtain a uniform composition.

5. Preparing the mold: Choose a round baking dish or a loaf pan. Grease it with a little oil and line it with baking paper to facilitate the removal of the pudding. Pour the mixture into the mold.

6. Decorating: Beat one egg and mix it with a tablespoon of tomato paste. Pour this mixture over the composition in the mold for a shiny and appetizing appearance.

7. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the pudding in the oven and bake for about 40-50 minutes or until it turns golden on top. Check if it is well done by inserting a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the pudding is ready.

8. Cooling and serving: Let the pudding cool in the mold for 15-20 minutes, then carefully remove it. Cut it into suitable slices and serve it as an appetizer alongside pickles or fresh bread.

Practical Tips:

- Choosing the meat: Choose quality pork meat, preferably from a trusted source. The fat in the meat will provide juiciness to the pudding.
- Garlic: For a more intense flavor, you can use roasted or smoked garlic.
- Variations: Experiment with different types of sausages (for example, beef or chicken sausages) or add spices like cumin or thyme to personalize the recipe.

Nutritional Benefits:

Christmas liver pudding is an excellent source of protein due to the meat and liver. Pork liver is rich in vitamins A, B12, and minerals such as iron. Additionally, the content of fresh herbs adds a boost of antioxidants.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use chicken liver? Absolutely! Chicken liver will provide a finer texture and a more delicate taste.
2. How can I store the pudding? Keep it in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. It can be eaten cold or reheated.
3. What can I serve alongside the pudding? It pairs perfectly with a cabbage salad, pickles, or yogurt sauces.

Serving: This pudding is ideal as an appetizer at festive meals but can also be enjoyed cold as a snack. Try it alongside a glass of red wine or a craft beer to complete the culinary experience.

I conclude with a warm wish for a Merry Christmas! May you have unforgettable moments with your loved ones and enjoy every bite of this aromatic pudding! Enjoy your meal!