What You’ll Need
- Pork shoulder
- Pork backfat
- Garlic
- Fennel seeds
- Red wine
- Black pepper
- Sea salt
- Natural hog casings
Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients
Start by cutting the pork shoulder and pork backfat into small pieces, about 1-inch in size. Peel and finely chop the garlic cloves. Measure out the fennel seeds, red wine, black pepper, and sea salt. Set aside the natural hog casings and ensure they are properly soaked in water.
Step 2: Grinding the Meat
Using a meat grinder, pass the pork shoulder and pork backfat through the grinder. You can use a coarse or medium grinding plate depending on your preference. Place the ground meat into a large mixing bowl.
Step 3: Seasoning the Mixture
Add the finely chopped garlic, fennel seeds, red wine, black pepper, and sea salt to the bowl with the ground meat. Mix well using your hands to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. This is your chance to adjust the seasoning according to your taste.
Step 4: Stuffing the Sausages
Attach a sausage stuffer attachment to your meat grinder or use a separate sausage stuffer. Take the soaked hog casings and carefully slide them onto the sausage stuffer tube. Start filling the casings with the sausage mixture, ensuring a consistent fill without overstuffing. Twist the sausages at regular intervals to create individual links.
Step 5: Curing and Aging
Hang the sausages in a cool and dry place, preferably with good air circulation. Allow them to cure and age for at least 48 hours or up to a week, depending on your desired level of flavor development. Remember to check the sausages regularly for any signs of spoilage.
Step 6: Cooking and Serving
To cook the sausages, heat a pan or grill to medium heat and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and cooked through. Serve the traditional Tuscan sausages with crusty bread, roasted vegetables, or your favorite side dishes. They are also perfect for adding a burst of flavor to pasta sauces and stews.
Making your own traditional Tuscan sausages is a rewarding and delicious experience. By following this step-by-step guide, you can enjoy the authentic flavors of Tuscany right in your own home. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to savor these mouthwatering sausages. Buon appetito!