May 1 - Memories of Yesteryear

May 1st Sausages: A Traditional Recipe Full of Memories

Spring brings not only flowers and sunshine but also unforgettable moments spent with loved ones. May 1st is a celebration that reminds us of traditions, fragrant barbecues, and delightful meals with dear ones. In this spirit, today I propose a delicious recipe for pork sausages, accompanied by creamy mashed potatoes and a cabbage salad with tomatoes – a perfect combination for a spring day spent outdoors.

Preparation time: 1 hour
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients needed:

For sausages:
- 500 g pork shoulder (choose a piece with a bit of fat for juiciness)
- 2 garlic cloves (for aromatic flavor)
- 1 teaspoon salt (helps enhance flavors)
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper (for a bit of spice)
- 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika (for a touch of color and flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (for a more complex taste)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (to keep the meat juicy)

For mashed potatoes:
- 1 kg potatoes (choose starchy potatoes, such as type B)
- 100 ml milk (for creaminess)
- 50 g butter (for a rich flavor)
- Salt, to taste

For cabbage salad:
- 300 g cabbage (a fresh and crispy cabbage)
- 2 tomatoes (juicy and flavorful)
- 50 g bacon (for an extra flavor boost)
- 1 tablespoon vinegar (to balance the taste)
- Salt and pepper, to taste

Preparation:

Step 1: Marinating the meat
Start by cutting the pork shoulder into smaller pieces to facilitate marination. Use a sharp knife to achieve even cuts. Place the meat in a bowl and add the crushed garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Also, add the olive oil, mixing well to coat each piece of meat with the spices. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate for 1 hour in the refrigerator. This step is essential as it allows the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.

Step 2: Preparing the mashed potatoes
Meanwhile, peel the potatoes and cut them into equal cubes. This will help with even cooking. Boil the potatoes in a pot of salted water for about 20 minutes until they become soft. After boiling, drain the water and add the butter and milk. Using a potato masher, transform them into a fine and creamy mash. Adjust the salt to taste. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg for an extra flavor boost if desired.

Step 3: Preparing the cabbage salad
For the salad, cut the cabbage into thin strips and the tomatoes into cubes. In a bowl, combine the cabbage with the tomatoes and add the diced bacon. Add the vinegar, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix well and let the salad marinate for a few minutes before serving. This waiting time will allow the flavors to blend perfectly.

Step 4: Preparing the sausages
Once the meat has marinated, prepare the grill or grill pan to be heated. Form sausages from the meat mixture, ensuring they have a uniform shape. Cook the sausages on the grill or in the grill pan for 4-5 minutes on each side or until they become browned and well-cooked. It is important not to overcook them, or you risk them becoming dry.

Serving:
Once all components are ready, it’s time to assemble the plate. Place a generous serving of mashed potatoes alongside some sausages and complete with the cabbage salad. A squeeze of lemon juice or a garlic yogurt sauce can add a touch of freshness.

Practical tips:
1. Choosing the meat: Use pork shoulder with a higher fat content to achieve juicy sausages.
2. Cabbage: Buy fresh cabbage, looking for a crispy texture and vibrant color.
3. Serving: These sausages can also be served with mustard or spicy sauce for those who prefer a more intense flavor.

Variations:
- Sausages from other types of meat: If you want to experiment, try making sausages from beef or even mixed meats.
- Adding cheese: You can add crumbled feta cheese to the sausage mixture for an extra flavor boost.
- Sauces: Alongside the sausages, a yogurt sauce with dill and garlic is an excellent choice.

Nutrition:
This recipe offers a good source of protein from the meat, a serving of fresh vegetables from the salad, and carbohydrates from the mashed potatoes, creating a nutritional balance. In total, a serving of sausages with mashed potatoes and salad provides about 600 calories, but you can adjust the ingredients to fit your nutritional needs.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use chicken meat? Yes, you can adapt the recipe using chicken meat, but note that the cooking time will be different.
- How can I make the sausages less fatty? You can reduce the fat content in the meat or opt for lean meat.
- What other side dishes can I use? Besides mashed potatoes, rice or polenta are excellent options.

This pork sausage recipe is more than just a simple dish; it is an invitation to beautiful memories, to moments spent with family and friends, to flavors that unite us. So, get your grill ready and savor every bite, because cooking is an art, and you are the artists of this culinary experience!