Mutton stew with sheep sausages

Mutton stew with sheep sausages is a delicious recipe that combines the intense flavors of meat with a rich and savory sauce. This dish is perfect for festive meals or a comforting dinner, making it an excellent choice for meat lovers. Slow-cooked, this stew becomes extremely tender and full of flavor.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 6 hours (in slow cooker)
Total time: 6 hours and 20 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients

- 700 g marinated mutton
- 700 g smoked sheep pastrama
- 1 fresh sheep sausage (approximately 30-40 cm)
- 250 ml tomato juice
- 6-7 cloves of garlic
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 80 ml red wine
- White pepper, to taste

Step-by-step instructions

1. Preparing the ingredients
Start by cutting the mutton and smoked sheep pastrama into cubes of about 3-4 cm. This will help the meat cook evenly and absorb the flavors from the sauce. While you cut the meat, think of all the special moments when you enjoyed similar dishes, whether it was a family meal or a gathering with friends.

2. Frying the sausages
In the removable pot of the slow cooker, add the 2 tablespoons of oil and set the appliance to the sauté function. Once the oil is hot, add the fresh sausage. Fry it gently, turning it on all sides until it becomes golden. This step not only adds a pleasant texture to the sausages but also a special flavor to the final dish.

3. Adding the meat
After frying the sausage, remove it from the pot and set it aside. In the same oil, add the cubes of mutton and smoked sheep pastrama. Fry them for a few minutes until they slightly change color. This is a perfect opportunity to enhance the flavors, and the oil will absorb all the delicious juices.

4. Adding the wet ingredients
Once the meat is fried, add the tomato juice and red wine to the pot. These ingredients are essential for creating a rich and flavorful sauce. You can use a dry red wine that complements the flavors of the dish. Don’t forget to mix well to combine all the ingredients.

5. Garlic
Peel the 6-7 cloves of garlic and crush them slightly with the blade of a knife. Add them to the pot along with the white pepper, according to your taste. The garlic will add an unmistakable flavor, and the white pepper will provide a pleasant contrast.

6. Slow cooking
Place the fried sausage on top of the meat and sauce mixture. Cover the pot with the lid and set the slow cooker to cook for 6 hours on low. This slow cooking method allows the meat to become extremely tender and absorb all the flavors from the sauce.

7. Serving
After 6 hours, open the lid and let the aroma delight you! You can serve the mutton stew and sheep sausages alongside warm polenta or fresh bread. A simple green salad or a side of sautéed vegetables will perfectly complement this hearty dish.

Useful tips

- Choosing the meat: Buy high-quality meat, preferably from a trusted butcher. The mutton and sheep should be fresh, with a uniform appearance and no blemishes.
- Vegetarian option: You can replace the meat with shiitake mushrooms or other mushrooms, preparing a similar sauce. The flavors will be just as rich, and the dish will have a distinct note.
- Oven cooking: If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can adapt the recipe for the oven. Use an oven-safe pot, covered with a lid, and bake at 150 degrees for about 3-4 hours.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other types of meat?
Yes, you can experiment with other types of meat, such as lamb or pork, but the cooking time may vary.

2. How can I store leftovers?
The stew can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. It can also be frozen for later consumption.

3. What drinks pair well with this dish?
A dry red wine, similar to the one used in the recipe, is the ideal choice. Additionally, a craft beer could complement the intense flavors well.

Nutritional benefits

This stew is an excellent source of protein and iron, essential for maintaining energy and muscle health. The added garlic not only enhances the flavor but also has numerous benefits for the immune system.

Personal note

Personally, I like to add some fresh herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, in the last 30 minutes of cooking for an extra layer of flavor. Additionally, a tablespoon of honey can add a sweet note that balances the flavors.

In conclusion, mutton stew with sheep sausages is a dish that combines tradition with a unique taste, perfect for enjoying with loved ones. I wish you happy cooking and a table full of joy!