Boiled sausages - appetizer for Christmas

Boiled Sausages - Festive Appetizer for Christmas

Christmas and New Year's are magical moments, full of traditions and delicious dishes that bring us together. In many regions, boiled sausages are a staple appetizer on the festive table. They are not just a delicacy but also a story in themselves, a connection to ancestral traditions that remind us of childhood flavors. Here’s how you can prepare these boiled sausages at home, step by step.

Total time: 4 hours
Preparation time: 1 hour
Cooking time: 2-3 hours
Number of servings: 10-12

Ingredients:
- 1.5 kg pork shoulder (choose meat with little fat for juiciness)
- 1 kg chicken liver (fresh, for an intense flavor)
- 600 g beef (for a more complex texture)
- 500 g pork fat (ensures rich flavor)
- 300 g pork rind (for finesse)
- Natural casing (pork intestines) (ensures a traditional shape)
- 1 cup vegetable or meat broth (for moisture)
- 4 garlic cloves (or more, to taste)
- 1 pack Kamis sausage spices (or preferred spice mix)
- 2 fresh chilies, chopped (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Peppercorns (to taste)
- Thyme (fresh or dried)
- Coriander (dried)
- Bay leaves (2-3 pieces)
- Salt (to taste)

Step by step:

1. Preparing the meat:
Start by washing the pork and beef well. Cut them into suitable pieces to facilitate boiling. The chicken liver should also be washed and cleaned of membranes.

2. Boiling the meat:
Put the pork, beef, and rind in a large pot of water. Add the spices (peppercorns, bay leaves, thyme, coriander, and salt) to flavor the meat. Boil over medium heat for about 1 hour.

3. Adding the liver:
When the meat is almost boiled, add the chicken liver and whole pork fat. Continue boiling everything together for 20 minutes to combine the flavors.

4. Cooling the meat:
Once the meat is boiled, remove it with a slotted spoon and let it cool on a platter. This step is essential for easier chopping of the meat.

5. Preparing the casing:
Meanwhile, prepare the pork casings. Wash them well in cold water, then soak them in warm water for about 30 minutes. This will make them easier to fill.

6. Chopping the meat:
Use a meat grinder to chop the boiled meat, liver, and rind. Cut the pork fat into small cubes and add it to the mixture.

7. Seasoning the mixture:
Crush the garlic and add it to the meat mixture along with the chopped chili. You can adjust the amount of chili depending on how spicy you prefer the sausages. Mix everything well, and if the mixture is too dense, incorporate the vegetable or meat broth.

8. Filling the casing:
Using a special sausage filling device, fill the casings with the meat mixture. Make sure to form sausages the length of your palm. Twist the casing every 10-15 cm to form individual pieces.

9. Boiling the sausages:
Put the filled sausages in a large pot of water. Add bay leaves, pepper, chili, and salt. Boil over low heat for 20-30 minutes, being careful to prick them occasionally with a toothpick to prevent them from bursting during boiling.

10. Cooling and storing:
After boiling, remove the sausages and let them cool on a platter. They can be consumed immediately or stored in the refrigerator for a few days. If you want to keep them long-term, you can freeze them.

Serving and combinations:
Boiled sausages are delicious served with freshly grated horseradish or mustard sauce. If you want to add a festive touch, you can accompany them with pickled cabbage salad or warm homemade bread. A craft beer or red wine pairs perfectly with this appetizer.

Useful tips:
- Make sure the casings are well cleaned and free of defects before using.
- You can experiment with different spices, adding herbs or other types of chili to customize the recipe.
- If you don’t have a meat grinder, you can ask a trusted butcher to grind the meat for you.

Nutritional information:
Boiled sausages contain high-quality protein due to the pork, beef, and liver, making them a good source of iron and B vitamins. However, considering the fat content, it is advisable to consume them in moderation.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use chicken meat? Yes, you can replace pork with chicken, but the taste will be different.
- How many sausages can I make from these ingredients? The quantity depends on the size of the sausages, but generally, you will get between 10-12 servings.
- How can I tell if the sausages are well cooked? The sausages are ready when they are no longer pink inside and have a firm texture.

In conclusion, preparing boiled sausages is a satisfying activity that brings a touch of tradition to your kitchen. With a little patience and love for cooking, you will achieve a delicious appetizer, perfect for festive meals. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: 1.5 kg pork shoulder; 1 kg chicken liver; 600 g beef; 500 g pork bacon; 300 g pork rind; natural casing (pork intestines); 1 cup vegetable or meat broth; 4 heads of garlic; 1 packet of Kamis sausage spices; fresh chopped chili; whole pepper; thyme; coriander; bay leaves; salt.

 Tags:  boiled sausages