Traditional Romanian Sausages

Traditional Romanian Sausages Recipe - Pork, Onions, Garlic, and Juniper Berries

Region / culture: Romania | Servings: 6

Introduction

Traditional Romanian sausages, also known as "cârnați," are a beloved dish in Romanian cuisine. These sausages are made with a combination of fatty pork, pork lungs, spleen, boiled rind, blood, and a mix of spices. They are typically boiled and then either served cold or pan-fried for a delicious meal.

History

The recipe for traditional Romanian sausages has been passed down through generations in Romania. Sausages have long been a staple in Romanian cuisine, with each family having their own unique recipe and method of preparation. These sausages are often made during special occasions and celebrations, such as holidays and family gatherings.

Ingredients

2 lb / 1 kg of fatty pork
pork lungs and spleen
a handful of boiled pork rind
3 to 4 onions fried in 3 tbsp of lard
3 to 4 tbsp of pork blood
2 to 3 garlic cloves
a little ground juniper berries
pepper
salt
3 to 4 tbsp of pork broth

How to prepare

Boil the meat, lungs, spleen, and rind with an onion.
When almost ready, remove from heat, let cool, then grind.
Add the onions fried in lard, garlic, pepper, juniper berries, salt, a few tablespoons of broth, and a few tablespoons of pork blood.
Mix everything well.
The mixture should be soft rather than hard.
Fill the big intestine, tie the ends with string, and boil in the water in which the meat, lungs, and rind have boiled.
After coming to a boil, continue boiling for another 20 – 25 minutes.
Before boiling, prick with a thick needle.
When ready, remove from the liquid and keep in cold water until cooled.
Serve cold or pan-fried.

Variations

Add in chopped herbs such as parsley or dill for added flavor.
Use different spices such as paprika or cumin for a unique twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to boil the meat, lungs, spleen, and rind with an onion for added flavor.

- When grinding the meat mixture, make sure it is soft rather than hard for the best texture.

- Prick the sausages with a thick needle before boiling to prevent them from bursting.

- Serve the sausages cold or pan-fried for a delicious meal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the traditional Romanian sausages with a side of pickles, mustard, and fresh bread for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Boil the sausages in water before either serving them cold or pan-frying them for a crispy exterior.

Ingredient Substitutions

If pork lungs and spleen are not available, you can use additional fatty pork in their place.

Make Ahead Tips

These sausages can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the sausages on a platter with fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the traditional Romanian sausages with a side of sauerkraut and mashed potatoes for a classic Romanian meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover sausages in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan over medium heat until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 220 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 2g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 15g per serving

Saturated Fat: 6g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 18g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Iron: 10% of the daily recommended intake per serving

Alergens

Contains: Pork

Summary

These traditional Romanian sausages are a rich source of protein and iron, making them a hearty and satisfying meal option.

Summary

Traditional Romanian sausages are a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for special occasions and gatherings. With a rich blend of flavors and spices, these sausages are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I saw this recipe for traditional Romanian sausages. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village nestled in the Carpathian Mountains. My grandmother, who was known for her exceptional cooking skills, had invited me into the kitchen to watch her prepare a special meal for the family.

As I stood by her side, I watched in awe as she expertly mixed together ground pork, garlic, paprika, and a secret blend of spices. Her hands moved with precision and grace, shaping the mixture into long, thin sausages that would soon be smoked and cooked to perfection.

I asked her where she had learned to make such delicious sausages, and she smiled as she told me the story. Many years ago, when she was just a young newlywed, she had traveled to a neighboring village to visit her aunt. Her aunt, who was renowned for her culinary skills, had taken her under her wing and taught her the art of making traditional Romanian sausages.

My grandmother's eyes sparkled as she recounted the time spent in her aunt's kitchen, watching and learning as she carefully seasoned the meat, stuffed it into casings, and smoked it over an open fire. She had been captivated by the process, and had vowed to master the art of sausage making herself.

After her return home, my grandmother had spent countless hours experimenting with different recipes and techniques, until she had finally perfected her own version of the traditional Romanian sausages. Over the years, she had shared her recipe with friends and family, who had all agreed that her sausages were truly something special.

As I watched her work that day in the kitchen, I felt a deep sense of pride knowing that I was learning from the best. My grandmother's hands were a blur of motion as she wrapped the sausages in cheesecloth and hung them up to dry. She explained that the drying process was essential for allowing the flavors to develop and intensify, creating a rich and savory sausage that would be enjoyed by all.

After the sausages had been smoked and cooked to perfection, my grandmother proudly served them to the family, along with homemade bread, pickles, and sauerkraut. The sausages were a hit, with everyone eagerly reaching for seconds and thirds.

As we sat around the table, enjoying the delicious meal that my grandmother had prepared, I realized the importance of passing down family recipes from one generation to the next. The tradition of making traditional Romanian sausages would live on in our family for years to come, a reminder of the love and care that went into each and every batch.

And so, as I continue to make these sausages for my own family, I am reminded of the special bond that food can create between generations. The recipe for traditional Romanian sausages will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the love and memories shared in my grandmother's kitchen all those years ago.