Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 pounds of pork shoulder
- 1/2 pound of pork fat
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons of fennel seeds
- 1 tablespoon of paprika
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/4 cup of red wine
- Natural pork casings (optional)
Instructions
1. Start by cutting the pork shoulder and pork fat into small cubes. Make sure to remove any excess fat or tough connective tissue.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cubed pork shoulder, pork fat, minced garlic, fennel seeds, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. If you prefer a smooth texture, you can use a meat grinder to grind the mixture. Alternatively, you can leave the mixture as is for a coarser texture.
4. Once the mixture is ready, add the red wine and mix again to incorporate all the flavors.
5. If you want to make traditional sausage links, soak natural pork casings in water for about 30 minutes to soften them. Then, carefully slide the casing onto the sausage stuffer nozzle.
6. Load the sausage mixture into a sausage stuffer and begin filling the casings. Twist the sausage into links of your desired length, ensuring that they are tightly sealed.
7. If you prefer not to use casings, you can simply shape the mixture into patties or meatballs.
8. Once all the sausages are formed, you can cook them immediately or refrigerate them for up to 24 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
9. To cook the sausages, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a little olive oil and cook the sausages until they are browned on all sides and cooked through, which should take about 10-15 minutes.
10. Serve your homemade Norcia sausages with your favorite side dishes, such as polenta, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Final Thoughts
Congratulations! You’ve successfully learned how to make Norcia sausage, a delicious Italian recipe that will delight your family and friends. Experiment with different seasonings or add a touch of chili flakes for some extra heat. Buon appetito!