Homemade sausage paste
Homemade Mici Paste
Who doesn't love the unmistakable aroma of mici? This delicious dish, rich in history and tradition, is a symbol of summer barbecues and gatherings with friends. This homemade mici paste recipe is an authentic version that will bring an unmistakable taste to your table, using quality ingredients. Let's discover together how we can enjoy this delicacy, step by step.
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes (for frying or grilling)
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 6
Necessary ingredients:
- 500 g beef (neck)
- 500 g lamb (thigh)
- 100 g sheep fat
- 500 g beef bones
- Juice from 1/2 lemon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 head of garlic
Preparation steps:
1. Preparing the bone broth:
Start by placing the beef bones in a large pot with cold water. Boil them over medium heat for about 1 hour until you obtain a rich broth. This process will not only add intense flavor to the mici paste but will also enrich their texture. After boiling the bones, strain the broth and let it cool. This broth will become an essential ingredient for binding and flavoring the meat mixture.
2. Cutting the meat:
While the bone broth cools, prepare the meat. Cut the beef and lamb into small cubes to facilitate the grinding process. Make sure all pieces are of similar size to achieve even grinding.
3. Grinding the meat:
Pass the meat through the meat grinder at least 3 times, along with the sheep fat. This step is crucial for obtaining a fine and homogeneous paste. The sheep fat will not only add a rich flavor but will also help keep the mici juicy.
4. Preparing the mixture:
In a large bowl, add the ground meat and incorporate the baking soda mixed with the lemon juice. This step will help improve the texture and flavor of the mici. Add salt, pepper, thyme, coriander, and allspice, mixing well to evenly distribute the spices.
5. Incorporating the bone broth:
Now, gradually add the cooled bone broth to the meat mixture. Knead the composition for about 15 minutes. This stage is important as it will help develop the bonds between the ingredients, making the paste more homogeneous. After kneading well, cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for 5-6 hours. This step is essential for the flavors to blend.
6. Preparing the garlic sauce:
After the paste has been in the refrigerator, prepare a garlic sauce. Peel a head of garlic and crush the cloves. You can use a food processor or a mortar to obtain a fine paste. Strain the sauce and then incorporate it into the mici paste. This will add an intense and aromatic flavor, characteristic of mici.
7. Shaping the mici:
When you are ready to prepare the mici, wet your hands with water to prevent the mixture from sticking. Shape small cylinders from the obtained paste, being careful not to make them too thick so they cook evenly. You can give them a slightly flattened shape to aid frying.
8. Cooking the mici:
Now you can choose your preferred cooking method. Whether you choose to grill them or prepare them in a pan, ensure you have a medium temperature so they brown nicely. Cook them for about 15 minutes, turning them at regular intervals until they become golden and crispy on the outside.
Serving suggestions:
Mici are delicious served with garlic sauce and fresh bread. You can accompany them with a summer salad or a yogurt sauce for a refreshing touch. Also, a cold beer is the perfect partner to complete this culinary experience.
Nutritional benefits:
Beef and lamb are excellent sources of protein, iron, and B vitamins. Adding spices not only enhances the flavor but also brings antioxidant benefits. Garlic is known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, thus contributing to a healthy diet.
Possible variations:
You can experiment with different types of meat, such as pork or chicken, or you can add fresh herbs to customize the flavor of the mici. If you like spicy flavors, one idea is to add a bit of hot paprika or chili to the mixture.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use store-bought ground meat?
Although it is easier, I recommend using freshly ground meat for a better texture and more intense flavor.
2. How can I store leftover mici?
Uneaten mici can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days or can be frozen for later use.
3. Can I bake mici in the oven?
Yes, you can bake mici on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper at 200 degrees Celsius for 20-25 minutes, until golden.
Now that you have all the necessary information, all that's left is to get cooking! Your mici will surely be a hit at any gathering or family meal. Share this recipe with your loved ones and enjoy every flavorful bite. Bon appétit!
Ingredients: 500 g beef (neck), 500 g lamb (thigh), sheep fat, 1/2 kg beef bones, juice from 1/2 lemon, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, 1 teaspoon thyme, 1 teaspoon coriander, 1 teaspoon allspice, 1 head of garlic
