Meat - Small pork sausages by Mihaela E. - Recipia
Delicious Recipe for Romanian Grilled Sausages with Pork Bone Broth

Mici, these delicious Romanian sausages, are a true culinary treasure that brings together tradition and authentic flavor. They are perfect for an outdoor party, a barbecue with friends, or simply to enjoy a tasty meal with family. This recipe combines the rich flavors of pork with a bone broth that gives them juiciness and a unique taste. Additionally, you will discover how to prepare a pork bone broth that perfectly complements the mici. Let's get started!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours
Total: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 6 servings of mici

Ingredients

For the pork bone broth:
- 1 pork bone (approximately 200 g)
- 1.5 liters of water
- 5-6 black peppercorns
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 large onion
- 1 carrot
- 1/2 bell pepper
- Salt, to taste

For mici:
- 1 kg pork (ideally a combination of lean meat and a little fat for juiciness)
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 5 garlic cloves (peeled and crushed)
- 1 tablespoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 350 ml pork bone broth (prepared earlier)
- Salt, to taste

The History of Mici

Mici, a symbol of Romanian barbecues, was originally a sausage recipe that has its roots in the culinary traditions of several cultures. It is often consumed during the summer but can be enjoyed at any time of the year. Over time, the recipe has evolved, and each housewife has added a personal touch. This recipe will help you create mici that not only taste exceptional but also have the perfect texture, thanks to the bone broth.

Preparing the Pork Bone Broth

1. Washing and preparing: Start by washing the pork bone well under cold running water. This step is essential to remove impurities.

2. Vegetables: Peel the onion, carrot, and bell pepper. Cut the onion in half, the carrot into rounds, and the bell pepper into large cubes.

3. Boiling: In a large pot, add the pork bone, prepared vegetables, peppercorns, bay leaf, and approximately 1.5 liters of water. Bring to a boil and add salt to taste.

4. Skimming: During boiling, you will notice foam forming. Use a skimmer to remove it, ensuring the broth remains clear.

5. Reducing water: Let the broth simmer on low heat for about 1 hour. During this time, add water if necessary. Once it has reduced, add another 500 ml of water and let it boil for a few minutes.

6. Cooling and straining: Once the broth is ready, let it cool, then strain it, keeping the liquid for use in preparing the mici.

Preparing the Mici

1. Meat: Wash the pork meat and cut it into large pieces to facilitate the grinding process.

2. Grinding: Use a meat grinder to achieve a fine texture. If you prefer, you can do this step manually, but it will take longer.

3. Mixing: Transfer the minced meat to a food processor equipped with a kneading paddle. Add thyme, crushed garlic, sweet paprika, baking soda, and salt.

4. Adding the broth: Start the processor on medium speed and gradually add the previously prepared bone broth. Continue mixing for about 10 minutes until the mixture becomes homogeneous.

5. Shaping: Wet your hands to prevent sticking, then shape mici into suitable sizes. Place them on a tray and cover with plastic wrap. Let them rest in the fridge overnight – this step is essential for achieving the desired texture.

Cooking the Mici

1. Grill: Prepare the grill, ensuring it is well heated. A useful trick is to brush it with a little oil to prevent sticking.

2. Cooking: Remove the mici from the fridge and reshape them if necessary. Place them on the grill, ensuring there is space between each mici for even cooking.

3. Boiling: Cook them on all sides until they turn golden and crispy. This process usually takes between 10 and 15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the mici.

Serving and Suggestions

Mici are delicious served with mustard, but feel free to add red onion or fresh bread. Additionally, a summer salad can perfectly complement this dish.

Variations: If you want to experiment, you can add spices like hot peppers or coriander. Also, for a lighter version, try replacing some of the pork with beef or lamb.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use beef instead of pork?
Yes, you can use beef, but the texture and taste will be different. It is recommended to use a combination of lean meat and fat for the best results.

2. How long can I keep mici in the fridge?
Mici can be kept in the fridge for 2-3 days. If you want to freeze them, make sure they are well wrapped in plastic wrap.

3. How can I get less fatty mici?
You can choose pork with a lower fat content or add finely chopped vegetables to the mixture.

Nutritional Benefits

Mici is a good source of protein, providing the energy needed for an active day. Pork contains B vitamins, essential for energy metabolism, and garlic adds antibacterial and antioxidant properties. Bone broth adds a boost of collagen, beneficial for joints and skin.

In conclusion, preparing mici at home, accompanied by a flavorful bone broth, is a satisfying and delicious culinary experience. With a little patience and dedication, you will create a dish that will impress any guest. Happy cooking!

Tags

Meat - Small pork sausages by Mihaela E. - Recipia

Categories