Authentic Lithuanian Desros Recipe - Traditional Pork Sausage

Desros

Authentic Lithuanian Desros Recipe - Traditional Pork Sausage
Region / culture: Lithuania | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 10

Introduction

Desros
Desros

Desros is a traditional Lithuanian sausage made with pork shoulder, onions, and a blend of spices. This savory sausage is a popular dish in Lithuania and is often enjoyed at celebrations and gatherings.

History

Desros has been a staple in Lithuanian cuisine for centuries. The recipe has been passed down through generations, with each family adding their own twist to the classic dish. Originally, desros were made as a way to preserve meat, but over time they have become a beloved comfort food in Lithuania.

Ingredients

How to prepare

  1. Chop the onions and cook them in a small amount of fat until they become transparent.
  2. Alternatively, you can simmer the onions in about 2 cups of water instead of frying them in fat.
  3. Cut the meat into very small pieces or pass it through a coarse grinder.
  4. Add the cooked onions along with the fat (or water) they were cooked in, pepper, allspice, and salt.
  5. If using garlic, finely chop it.
  6. Thoroughly combine all the ingredients.
  7. Stuff the mixture into washed hog casings.
  8. Boil the sausages in water for approximately 1 hour.

Variations

  • For a spicier version of desros, add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the meat mixture. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices to create a unique flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

When making desros, it's important to ensure that the meat is cut into very small pieces or passed through a coarse grinder. This will help the sausage maintain its texture and flavor. Additionally, simmering the onions in water instead of frying them in fat can help reduce the overall fat content of the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Desros can be served with sauerkraut, mustard, and rye bread for a traditional Lithuanian meal.

Cooking Techniques

Boiling the sausages in water helps to cook them through and infuse them with flavor. You can also grill or pan-fry the sausages for a crispy exterior.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have access to hog casings, you can use synthetic casings or shape the meat mixture into patties instead.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the meat mixture for desros ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before stuffing the sausages.

Presentation Ideas

Serve desros on a platter garnished with fresh herbs and sliced vegetables for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Desros pair well with a variety of side dishes, including mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and pickles.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover desros in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the sausages in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of desros contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of desros contains approximately 2 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of desros contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of desros contains approximately 20 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Desros are a good source of iron, zinc, and vitamin B12.

Alergens

Desros contain pork and may not be suitable for individuals with pork allergies.

Summary

Desros are a flavorful and protein-rich dish that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Desros are a delicious and hearty sausage dish that is perfect for any occasion. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can enjoy this traditional Lithuanian recipe in your own home.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something I had to try. It was called Desros, a traditional dish from a small village in Italy. The recipe was handed down to me by my dear friend Maria, who grew up in that village and learned to make it from her own grandmother.

I remember the day Maria brought me the recipe. We were sitting in her cozy kitchen, sipping tea and reminiscing about our childhood. She suddenly reached into her apron pocket and pulled out a crumpled piece of paper.

"Here," she said, handing it to me. "This is the recipe for Desros. It's a family secret, but I trust you with it."

I looked down at the paper, the faded ink barely legible. The ingredients were simple - flour, eggs, milk, and a few herbs and spices. But the method was complex, requiring patience and precision.

Over the next few weeks, I practiced making Desros. I would wake up early in the morning, before the sun had fully risen, and start preparing the dough. I would knead it until it was smooth and elastic, then let it rest for hours before rolling it out into thin sheets.

The filling was a mixture of ricotta cheese, spinach, and Parmesan, seasoned with nutmeg and black pepper. I would carefully spoon it onto the dough, then roll it up into a long cylinder, like a jellyroll. I would cut the cylinder into individual pieces, each one a perfect swirl of dough and filling.

The final step was to bake the Desros until they were golden brown and crispy on the outside, with a creamy, savory filling. The smell of them wafting through the house was irresistible, drawing my family to the kitchen like moths to a flame.

When I finally served the Desros to my family, they were met with rave reviews. My husband declared them the best thing I had ever made, and my children begged for seconds and thirds. I knew then that this recipe was a keeper, a treasure to be passed down through the generations.

As the years went by, I continued to make Desros for special occasions and family gatherings. Each time, they were met with the same enthusiasm and praise. I shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, who in turn shared it with their own friends and neighbors.

One day, I received a letter from a distant cousin in Italy, who had heard of my famous Desros. She requested the recipe, as she was planning a special dinner for her own family. I gladly sent it to her, along with a few tips and tricks I had picked up along the way.

A few weeks later, I received another letter from my cousin. She had made the Desros for her family, and they had loved them just as much as we did. She thanked me for sharing the recipe and promised to pass it on to her own children and grandchildren.

And so, the tradition of making Desros continued to spread, from my kitchen in America to kitchens all over the world. Each time I made them, I felt a connection to my dear friend Maria and her village in Italy, a connection that transcended time and distance.

So now, whenever I make Desros, I think of Maria and her grandmother, and the generations of women who came before them, passing down their knowledge and love through the simple act of cooking. And I am grateful for the gift of this recipe, which has brought joy and connection to so many people.

Categories

| Garlic Recipes | Lithuanian Meat Dishes | Lithuanian Recipes | Onion Recipes | Pork Shoulder And Blade Recipes |

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