Homemade Hot Italian Sausage

Authentic Homemade Hot Italian Sausage Recipe from Italy

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 12

Introduction

Homemade Hot Italian Sausage is a delicious and flavorful sausage that can be used in a variety of dishes. This recipe allows you to customize the level of spiciness to suit your taste preferences.

History

Italian sausage has been a popular staple in Italian cuisine for centuries. The combination of spices and herbs used in this sausage recipe has been passed down through generations, creating a unique and delicious flavor profile.

Ingredients

12 lb (5.44 kg) pork (butt or shoulder, including all fat)
1.75 cups iced water
0.25 cup canning or kosher salt
0.67 tsp monosodium glutamate (msg)
0.25 cup fennel seed
0.25 cup ground black pepper
2 tsp ground coriander
3 tbsp crushed red pepper flakes
1.33 tsp oregano
2 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp white refined sugar
1 tsp caraway seed

How to prepare

Cut the pork into cubes that are approximately 1-2 inches in size.
Add the remaining ingredients and mix well.
Pass the mixture through a meat grinder to make bulk sausage or stuff it into casings.

Variations

Add more red pepper flakes for a spicier sausage.
Use ground turkey or chicken instead of pork for a leaner option.
Experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique sausage blend.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to keep the meat and equipment cold throughout the process to prevent the fat from melting.

- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the level of spiciness in the sausage.

- Allow the sausage to rest in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours before cooking to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Homemade Hot Italian Sausage grilled with peppers and onions, or use it in pasta dishes, soups, and stews.

Cooking Techniques

Grill the sausage over medium heat until cooked through.

- Pan-fry the sausage in a skillet with a little oil until browned on all sides.

- Bake the sausage in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use ground pork instead of cubed pork for a quicker preparation.

- Substitute ground cumin for the caraway seed for a different flavor profile.

- Use maple syrup or honey instead of sugar for a touch of sweetness.

Make Ahead Tips

Homemade Hot Italian Sausage can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Homemade Hot Italian Sausage on a platter with grilled vegetables and crusty bread for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Homemade Hot Italian Sausage with a bold red wine, such as Chianti or Sangiovese, to complement the spicy flavors.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Homemade Hot Italian Sausage in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Homemade Hot Italian Sausage contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Homemade Hot Italian Sausage contains approximately 1 gram of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Homemade Hot Italian Sausage contains approximately 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Homemade Hot Italian Sausage contains approximately 15 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Homemade Hot Italian Sausage is a good source of iron, zinc, and vitamin B12.

Alergens

This recipe contains pork and may not be suitable for individuals with pork allergies.

Summary

Homemade Hot Italian Sausage is a high-protein, flavorful sausage that is perfect for adding a kick to your favorite dishes.

Summary

Homemade Hot Italian Sausage is a versatile and flavorful sausage that can be used in a variety of dishes. Customize the level of spiciness to suit your taste preferences and enjoy this delicious sausage in your favorite recipes.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated. It was handed down to me by my dear friend Maria, who had learned it from her own grandmother in Italy. The thought of being able to make my own hot Italian sausage from scratch was both thrilling and intimidating. But I was determined to learn, eager to add this traditional recipe to my culinary repertoire.

Maria invited me over to her cozy kitchen one sunny afternoon to show me the ropes. As soon as I walked in, I could smell the tantalizing aroma of garlic, fennel, and red pepper flakes wafting through the air. My mouth watered in anticipation of the delicious meal we were about to prepare together.

We began by gathering our ingredients: ground pork, garlic, salt, pepper, fennel seeds, paprika, red pepper flakes, and white wine vinegar. Maria explained that the key to making the perfect hot Italian sausage lies in the perfect balance of spices and seasonings. She showed me how to mix the ground pork with all the ingredients, ensuring that each bite would be bursting with flavor.

As we worked, Maria shared stories of her own grandmother and the culinary traditions she had passed down through the generations. I listened intently, soaking up every word like a sponge. It was clear to me how much love and care went into each meal she prepared, and I was honored to be able to learn from her.

After we had mixed all the ingredients together, Maria taught me how to shape the sausage into small links. We worked side by side, rolling the meat mixture between our palms until it formed perfect little sausages. The process was messy, but oh so satisfying.

Once we had finished shaping the sausage links, Maria showed me how to cook them to perfection. We heated a skillet over medium heat and added a splash of olive oil. As soon as the oil sizzled, we carefully placed the sausage links in the pan, letting them cook until they were golden brown on all sides.

The smell that filled the kitchen as the sausage cooked was intoxicating. The garlic, fennel, and red pepper flakes melded together to create a symphony of flavors that made my stomach growl with anticipation. I couldn't wait to taste the fruits of our labor.

Finally, the sausage was ready. Maria plated it up alongside a fresh salad and a crusty loaf of bread. We sat down at her dining table and dug in, savoring each bite of the hot, spicy sausage. The flavors danced on my tongue, bringing me back to the cobblestone streets of Italy where Maria's grandmother had first learned this recipe.

As we ate, Maria and I chatted and laughed, enjoying each other's company and the delicious meal we had created together. It was a moment I would never forget, a memory that would stay with me forever.

And so, thanks to Maria and her grandmother, I had learned how to make homemade hot Italian sausage. The recipe became a staple in my own kitchen, a dish that I would prepare time and time again for my loved ones. Each time I made it, I would think back to that sunny afternoon in Maria's kitchen, grateful for the knowledge and traditions that had been passed down to me. And I would smile, knowing that the legacy of this recipe would live on for generations to come.