Ingredients:
– Ground pork (4 pounds)
– Salt (2 tablespoons)
– Ground black pepper (2 teaspoons)
– Fennel seeds (3 tablespoons)
– Red pepper flakes (2 teaspoons)
– Garlic powder (1 tablespoon)
– Paprika (1 tablespoon)
– Dry red wine (1/2 cup)
Instructions:
Step 1: Start by placing the ground pork in a large mixing bowl. Be sure to use fresh pork and avoid frozen pork, as this will affect the texture and quality of the sausage.
Step 2: Add the salt, black pepper, fennel seeds, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, and paprika to the pork. Use your hands to mix the ingredients well and ensure they’re thoroughly combined. Be sure to use gloves to avoid the risk of contamination.
Step 3: Pour the dry red wine over the pork mixture and continue mixing until the wine is fully absorbed. The wine will add flavor to the mixture, and its acidity will help tenderize the meat.
Step 4: Cover the mixing bowl and refrigerate the mixture for at least 4 hours or, better yet, overnight. This will allow the seasoning to penetrate the meat, resulting in a more flavorful sausage.
Step 5: Once the mixture has been marinated, remove it from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for an hour. This will make it easier to handle and shape the sausage.
Step 6: Prepare the sausage casings by soaking them in warm water for at least an hour, or according to the package instructions.
Step 7: Stuff the sausage mixture into the casings, making sure to tie off the ends with kitchen twine. If you don’t have a sausage stuffer, you can use a pastry bag or a funnel to fill the casings.
Step 8: Prick the sausages with a needle to release any air pockets and prevent them from bursting during cooking.
Step 9: Set up a pot of boiling water and poach the sausages for about 10 minutes. This will ensure that the sausages are fully cooked and help set the shape of the casing.
Step 10: Once the sausages are cooked, remove them from the water and dry them off with a paper towel. Alternatively, you can grill, fry or bake them depending on your desired cooking method.
In Conclusion:
Making Italian sausage from scratch is a simple process that involves combining the necessary ingredients and shaping them into casings. With this recipe, you will have a delicious and tasty dish that you can enjoy with your friends and family. Remember, to get the best results, be sure to use high-quality ingredients and follow the recipe closely.