Maltese Sausage

Maltese Sausage Recipe - Pork, Sea Salt, Black Pepper, Coriander Seeds, Garlic, Parsley

Region / culture: Malta | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Servings: 10-12

Introduction

Maltese sausage is a traditional dish from the Mediterranean island of Malta. It is a flavorful and aromatic sausage made with pork belly, sea salt, black pepper, coriander seeds, garlic, and parsley. This sausage is a staple in Maltese cuisine and is often enjoyed as part of a hearty meal.

History

Maltese sausage has a long history dating back to ancient times when the island of Malta was inhabited by the Phoenicians, Romans, and Arabs. The recipe has been passed down through generations and has become a beloved dish in Maltese culture. The sausage is often made during special occasions and celebrations, bringing families and friends together to enjoy a delicious meal.

Ingredients

1.50 kg minced pork with fat (such as pork belly)
90 g sea salt
45 g crushed black pepper
45 g crushed coriander seeds
5 cloves of garlic
5 tbsp chopped parsley

How to prepare

Mix the pork with all the other ingredients except the intestines.
Thoroughly wash the intestines in several changes of cold salted water.
Using a funnel or sausage making attachment, fill the skins with the mixture.
Then tie each filled skin with string at 3-4 inches apart to form sausages.
Prick each sausage with a fork and hang them in the coolest place possible for 2–4 days to dry.

Variations

There are many variations of Maltese sausage, with different seasonings and spices used to create unique flavors. Some recipes may include additional herbs, spices, or even wine for added depth of flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

When making Maltese sausage, it is important to use high-quality ingredients to ensure the best flavor. Make sure to mix the pork and seasonings thoroughly to evenly distribute the flavors. Washing the intestines in salted water helps to remove any impurities and ensures a clean casing for the sausage. Pricking the sausages with a fork before drying helps to release any air bubbles and ensures even cooking.

Serving Suggestions

Maltese sausage can be enjoyed on its own as a main dish or served with crusty bread, pickles, and mustard for a delicious meal. It can also be added to stews, soups, or pasta dishes for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Maltese sausage is traditionally dried and cured before cooking. It can be grilled, pan-fried, or roasted to bring out the flavors of the sausage.

Ingredient Substitutions

If pork belly is not available, you can use ground pork or a combination of ground pork and beef for the sausage mixture. You can also adjust the seasonings to suit your taste preferences.

Make Ahead Tips

Maltese sausage can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. It can also be frozen for longer storage.

Presentation Ideas

Maltese sausage can be presented on a platter with fresh herbs, olives, and cheese for a beautiful and appetizing display. You can also slice the sausage and serve it on a sandwich or in a salad for a delicious meal.

Pairing Recommendations

Maltese sausage pairs well with red wine, crusty bread, and a variety of cheeses. It can also be served with roasted vegetables, salads, or pasta dishes for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Maltese sausage can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for longer storage. To reheat, simply grill, pan-fry, or roast the sausage until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Maltese sausage contains approximately 300 calories, making it a hearty and satisfying meal.

Carbohydrates

Maltese sausage is a low-carb dish, with minimal carbohydrates coming from the seasonings and herbs used in the recipe.

Fats

Maltese sausage is a high-fat dish due to the pork belly used in the recipe. The fats in the sausage provide flavor and richness to the dish.

Proteins

Maltese sausage is a good source of protein, with pork belly being the main protein source in the dish.

Vitamins and minerals

Maltese sausage contains vitamins and minerals from the garlic, parsley, and coriander seeds used in the recipe. These ingredients provide essential nutrients and add to the overall flavor of the dish.

Alergens

Maltese sausage contains pork, garlic, and parsley, which may be allergens for some individuals. It is important to check for any food allergies before consuming this dish.

Summary

Maltese sausage is a flavorful and hearty dish that is high in fats and protein. It is a traditional Maltese recipe that is enjoyed by many for its rich flavor and cultural significance.

Summary

Maltese sausage is a traditional and flavorful dish that is enjoyed by many for its rich flavor and cultural significance. With a few simple ingredients and some time to dry and cure, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal that is sure to impress your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of awe. It was given to me by a dear friend who had traveled to Malta and brought back this delicious delicacy for me to try. As soon as I read through the ingredients and steps, I knew I had to give it a try and add it to my collection of recipes.

I remember the day vividly, the sun shining through the kitchen window as I gathered all the necessary ingredients. The recipe called for a mixture of ground pork, salt, pepper, garlic, coriander, and fennel seeds. It was a simple yet flavorful combination that I knew would result in a mouthwatering sausage.

As I mixed the ingredients together, the aroma of the spices filled the air, transporting me back to the streets of Malta where my friend had discovered this recipe. I shaped the mixture into sausages, following the instructions carefully, and then let them rest in the refrigerator for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld together.

When it was time to cook the sausages, I heated up a skillet and carefully placed them in, listening to the sizzle as they browned on all sides. The smell was intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to taste the final product.

As I took my first bite, I was blown away by the depth of flavor in the Maltese sausage. The combination of spices was perfect, each one complementing the others in a harmonious symphony of taste. I couldn't believe that I had managed to recreate a dish from halfway across the world in my own kitchen.

From that moment on, Maltese sausage became a staple in my household. I would make it for special occasions, family gatherings, or simply when I was craving a taste of Malta. Each time I made it, I would think back to that sunny day in my kitchen when I first tried the recipe and how it had opened up a whole new world of flavors for me to explore.

Over the years, I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on the tradition of Maltese sausage to the next generation. I have tweaked the recipe here and there, adding my own personal touches to make it truly my own. But no matter how many times I make it, the taste always brings me back to that first magical bite.

I am grateful to my friend for bringing back this recipe for me to try, as it has become a beloved part of my culinary repertoire. It has inspired me to continue seeking out new flavors and recipes from around the world, always eager to expand my culinary horizons.

As I sit here now, reflecting on the journey that led me to discover Maltese sausage, I am filled with gratitude for the wonderful world of food and the joy it brings to my life. I can't wait to see what other delicious recipes and flavors I will uncover in the years to come. But for now, I will savor every bite of this delectable sausage and reminisce about the day it first graced my kitchen.