With more people than ever seeking self-sufficiency in the kitchen, sausage-making has never been simpler. All that’s required is some basic equipment and an understanding of meat science and temperature control – anyone can make delicious sausages at home!
But before you dive in, there are a few essential sausage-making principles to learn. This article can help!
Savory
Savory, also known as summer or winter savory, is a perennial plant native to the warm Mediterranean slopes that has an aromatic peppery taste with subtle hints of thyme. It’s one of the primary herbs used in making herbes de Provence: a dry spice mixture commonly used in stews, sauces and grilled meats.
It also makes an exquisite addition to soups, salads, egg dishes and sausages. Its tender leaves provide a subtle yet delicate flavor to many meals.
Savory not only adds flavor to food, but it is an important medicinal herb as well. It has been said to aid digestion and eliminate intestinal parasites; additionally, savory protects other plants from pests like aphids and whiteflies.
This herb can be grown indoors or outdoors, and it thrives in sunny locations. To grow it successfully, it needs well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter for maximum benefits. Once established, this herb becomes drought resistant but still requires regular watering for optimal health.
Though it may sound strange to combine a flavorful herb with sausage, it can be an excellent way to enhance your recipes and keep the meat moist during cooking.
The herb’s name derives from the Greek word for “satyr.” According to ancient stories, these creatures lived among fields of savory. Due to its believed phrodisiac properties, it quickly gained popularity as a component in love potions.
It is a small, green plant with narrow bronze/green leaves and an aromatic peppery taste. It’s perennial and hardy up to zone 5; growing 12-18 inches tall in full sun with regular watering.
Spicy
Sausage is a staple in many American dishes, and there are plenty of ways to make your own homemade sausage at home. Some recipes are straightforward while others require more effort and precision.
For something different, try this spicy sausage recipe. These Italian sausages are seasoned with pepper and garlic for extra flavor.
This dish can serve as either a side or main meal. It goes great with mashed potatoes or hoagie rolls and any veggies you have on hand.
You can use any type of sausage you like in this recipe, from hot to sweet. Additionally, you have the freedom to add any spices you desire.
Before serving the sausages, ensure they have been thoroughly cooked until browned and fully cooked through. Doing this will guarantee they are tender and delicious.
When making homemade sausage, it is essential to select the appropriate type of meat. Lean pork works best but you could also use beef.
Fattier cuts of meat, such as ham and bacon, can also be used. Just ensure to use high quality pork fat for an especially juicy and flavorful result.
To adjust the level of heat, add more or less cayenne pepper. You may also incorporate fresh or dried herbs such as thyme or rosemary for flavoring.
If you don’t enjoy cayenne pepper, other hot spices such as paprika or chili powder can be used in its place. The results will still be similar, but your dish may have less heat.
Making great homemade sausage starts with selecting the ideal meat. A grinder can be purchased at most kitchen stores or online.
Italian
Italian sausage is one of my go-to meats for cooking. It packs a powerful flavor, and can be used in many dishes like pasta, soups, casseroles, stews and sheet pan dinners. Italian sausage also makes for easy preparation in dishes like lasagnas and soups; just cut away any fat to release all those wonderful nutrients!
Sausage is a type of meat product typically composed of ground pork or beef with salt, spices and flavorings. It may be fresh, dried or cured and comes in various flavors such as mild, sweet or hot.
Though many people associate sausage with pork, it can actually be made with almost any type of meat – from beef or lamb – by simply altering the amount of fat, salt, and seasonings added. The main distinction lies in how much salt is present along with other seasonings added for flavor.
Traditionally, sausage is created by butchers who cut and prepare all of the meat used to make it. Once they’ve finished cutting up all of the meat for production, there may be bits and pieces leftover that they don’t want to waste, so they create sausage from those scraps.
But you can also make Italian sausage in bulk at home. Not only will this save you money, but it can be used in a variety of recipes as well.
Achieving optimal flavor from sausage requires balance. A proper ratio of salt to savory must be maintained in your recipe, and you should know which spices and herbs work best to enhance the meat’s flavor.
This sausage recipe makes an irresistible appetizer or lunch. Not only is it easy to make, but you can freeze the sausage for later! Raw sausage can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or frozen up to two months.
Garlic & Fennel
This hearty lentil stew is packed with sweet Italian sausage, fennel and aromatics like onions and garlic for a simple yet delicious weeknight dinner or special occasion!
This fennel sausage can be an amazing addition to many Italian-style dishes, like pasta, rice and pizzas. It also makes for a delectable appetizer or snack.
It has less fat than other sausages due to the absence of added oil and only using half the pork typically used to make sausage. As such, this makes it a great low carb option if you’re on a keto or low carb diet.
To give this dish its unique flavor, the meat is marinated with fennel seeds, garlic, onion powder and salt. Finally it’s mixed with red wine to help bind everything together.
Once cooked, this homemade sausage has a robust flavor and crispy bite. Plus, it’s low in carbohydrates, gluten free, and compatible with Paleo and Whole 30 diet plans.
This licorice-flavored Italian sausage is made with ground pork, fennel seed, salt and pepper. It has a mild but distinct flavor that will appeal to those who appreciate fennel but want something different.
It makes an excellent addition to many delectable meals, such as salads, pasta dishes and soups. It may also be served with potatoes, rice or polenta.
For an added kick of heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the meat before cooking. This will give it some kick and keep it from drying out.
Prior to adding the other ingredients, it’s essential to cook the fennel sausage until softened. After that is done, stir together all remaining ingredients and cover the pan; allow to simmer for around 10 minutes.
Buitoni Alfredo
For a delicious Italian meal that won’t take up too much space in your fridge, these buitoni Alfredo sausage recipes are ideal. They’re easy to make and can be served hot or cold with various sides for a complete meal.
To create a delicious, nutritious meal, it is important to use the correct ingredients and cook them according to label instructions. This is especially true for pasta and sauce dishes. If you’re on a diet or looking to reduce carbs in your meal, there are plenty of recipes that fit this bill – both low carb and ketogenic-friendly!
Store-bought Italian seasoning can be used in this recipe, or you can create your own homemade Italian sausage using ground pork, Italian seasoning, dried chiles and fennel seeds. This will give the dish a more intense flavor so you can adjust seasoning according to your preferred preference.
You can easily substitute other types of sausages, such as chicken or turkey, for this recipe. Just be sure to increase the amount of salt or red pepper flakes for a more spicy kick.
For the sauce, you can either opt for a traditional ragu recipe or use an easy tomato-based bolognese sauce. Either way, you’re sure to appreciate its creamy, rich texture!
This recipe requires minimal ingredients, yet it adds an extra layer of flavor to any meal. A sprinkle of thyme and rosemary can really add something special here too!
If you don’t have Italian seasoning on hand, dried herbs such as oregano, basil, parsley, rosemary and thyme can all be used instead. This dish tastes fantastic whether the vegetables are fresh or frozen!
You can prepare this sausage and veggies skillet as a light lunch or dinner, or you can add cooked pasta for an even heartier meal that will stay fresh in the fridge up to five days.
