Fresh pork sausages

Homemade Fresh Pork Sausage Recipe

How delicious can homemade fresh sausages be! These sausages are a true delight for the senses, boasting a rich flavor and unmistakable aroma, thanks to the fresh ingredients and the effort put into their preparation. Cooking at home not only allows you to control the ingredients but also adds a personal touch to every dish.

In this recipe, we will explore step by step how to prepare fresh pork sausages, a recipe that combines tradition with the joy of cooking. It is perfect for gatherings with family or friends, as well as for filling your fridge with goodies for the days to come. Let’s get started!

Preparation time: 1 hour
Resting time: 4 hours (or more, to enhance the flavors)
Total time: 5 hours
Number of servings: 12 servings (6 kg sausages)

Ingredients

To prepare fresh pork sausages, you will need the following ingredients:

- 3.250 kg pork meat (choose a fattier cut for a richer taste)
- 1.5 kg pork fat (for juiciness)
- 800 g beef (optional, for an interesting mix of flavors)
- 25 g garlic (about 6-7 cloves)
- 20 g dried thyme (or fresh, if available)
- Salt and pepper to taste (be careful not to overdo the salt)
- 12 m pork casings (make sure they are cleaned and prepared)

Step by step - Preparing the sausages

1. Preparing the ingredients
Start by washing the pork and beef under cold running water. Cut them into small pieces, about 3-4 cm, to facilitate grinding.

2. The garlic
Peel the garlic and crush it with a pinch of salt. Add a tablespoon of water to form a fine paste. This step is essential, as the garlic will give an intense flavor to your sausages.

3. The casings
Wash the pork casings under cold water, then let them soak in a bowl of cold water for about 30 minutes. This will help with the easy filling of the casings.

4. Grinding the meat
Use a meat grinder with a 6 mm plate. Pass the pork meat and fat through the grinder, then add the beef if you decide to include it. This meat mixture will create a perfect texture for the sausages.

5. Seasoning
After grinding the meat, add the garlic paste, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well with your hands to ensure that all ingredients are evenly distributed. It is important to taste the mixture to adjust the seasonings, but be careful not to overdo it, as the sausages will be cooked later.

6. Filling the casings
Now comes the fun part! Use a special sausage stuffer to fill the casings with the meat mixture. Be careful not to overfill them, as the sausages may burst during cooking.

7. Tying the sausages
After filling the casings, you can tie the ends with string or twist the sausages at intervals of about 15-20 cm, forming individual portions.

8. Resting the sausages
Place the filled sausages in the refrigerator for a few hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to develop and mingle. This step is essential for a more intense taste.

Cooking the sausages

Fresh pork sausages can be cooked in several ways. You can fry them in a pan, grill them, or boil them. I chose to fry them in a pan, as this method will bring out the best flavors.

1. Frying the sausages
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a few drops of oil to prevent sticking. Place the sausages in the skillet, leaving enough space between them to cook evenly. Fry for 15-20 minutes, turning them frequently to achieve a golden crust on all sides.

2. Serving
Serve the sausages warm, alongside a fresh cabbage salad or a potato dish. A bottle of craft beer or a red wine can perfectly complement the meal.

Useful tips

- Calories and nutritional benefits: Fresh pork sausages can contain approximately 300-400 calories per serving, depending on the cooking method and ingredients used. However, they are a rich source of protein and healthy fats, providing energy and essential nutrients.
- Variations: You can experiment with different spices, such as sweet or hot paprika, dill, or even Asian spices for an exotic touch. You can also replace some of the pork with turkey for a leaner option.
- Frequently asked questions:
- Can I freeze the sausages? Yes, sausages freeze very well. Make sure they are well wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
- How can I tell when the sausages are done? You can use a cooking thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 70°C to be considered safely cooked.

Conclusion

Making homemade fresh pork sausages is a satisfying experience that will not only enrich your meals but also bring a sense of fulfillment. Being a true symbol of traditional cooking, these sausages are perfect for moments spent with loved ones. Their preparation can become a communal activity, a way to create beautiful memories around the table. So gather your family or friends and enjoy this culinary delicacy!