Homemade Mixed Meat Sausage is a delicious and versatile dish that offers a unique blend of beef, pork, and chicken for a rich and flavorful result. Making your own sausage at home allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring you get a healthier product without the preservatives or additives found in store-bought options. This recipe uses a combination of spices, garlic, milk powder, and cornstarch to enhance the texture and flavor, giving the sausage a perfect balance of taste. Whether you want to grill, fry, or bake, this sausage is a great addition to any meal and can be used in a variety of dishes.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 600g beef, minced
- 600g pork, minced
- 300g chicken fillet, minced
- 15g regular salt
- 15g nitrite salt (for preservation and flavor)
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 4g spice mix (ground allspice, ground black pepper, dry garlic)
- 2 tsp dried garlic
- 0.5 tsp nutmeg, ground
- 2 tsp milk powder
- 1.5 tbsp cornstarch
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 150ml ice water
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Meat
- Chop and Mince the Meat: Begin by chopping the 600g beef, 600g pork, and 300g chicken fillet into smaller pieces if they’re not already minced. You can use a meat grinder or food processor to mince the meat finely. Make sure the meat is cold to maintain the proper texture.
- Mix the Meat: Once all the meat is minced, combine it in a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Add Spices and Seasoning
- Season the Meat: Add 15g regular salt and 15g nitrite salt to the meat mixture. The combination of salts will help preserve the sausage and enhance its flavor.
- Add Spices: Stir in 1 tsp ground black pepper, 4g spice mix, 2 tsp dried garlic, and 0.5 tsp nutmeg. These spices will add depth and aroma to your sausage.
- Mix in the Milk Powder and Cornstarch: The 2 tsp milk powder helps with moisture retention and gives a creamier texture, while 1.5 tbsp cornstarch acts as a binder to ensure the sausage holds together well.
Step 3: Incorporate the Garlic and Water
- Add Minced Garlic: Peel and finely mince 3-4 garlic cloves and incorporate them into the meat mixture. Garlic adds a rich, savory flavor that enhances the overall taste of the sausage.
- Add Ice Water: Slowly pour in 150ml of ice water, little by little, as you continue mixing the meat. The ice water helps bind the ingredients and keeps the meat cold, which is crucial for making good sausage.
Step 4: Knead and Chill
- Knead the Mixture: Using your hands or a spatula, thoroughly knead the mixture until it becomes smooth and sticky. This process ensures that all the spices and ingredients are evenly distributed and the sausage mixture holds its shape.
- Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the sausage mixture for 1-2 hours. Chilling the sausage helps the flavors meld together and makes it easier to handle when forming the sausage links.
Step 5: Shape and Cook
- Shape into Sausages: After chilling, take the sausage mixture out of the fridge. If you have sausage casings, you can fill them using a sausage stuffer or piping bag. If you don’t have casings, you can form the mixture into patties or rolls using your hands.
- Cook the Sausages: You can cook the sausages in several ways:
- Grill: Grill the sausages over medium heat for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally until fully cooked.
- Pan-Fry: Heat a little oil in a pan and fry the sausages over medium heat for 10-15 minutes, until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake the sausages on a lined baking sheet for 20-25 minutes.
Cooking Tips:
- Keep the Meat Cold: It’s essential to keep the meat cold throughout the entire process. Cold meat retains fat better and ensures that the sausage has the right texture. You can even place the bowl of meat over ice while working.
- Taste Test Before Cooking: Before shaping the sausages, take a small amount of the mixture and fry it in a pan to test the seasoning. Adjust the salt, pepper, or other spices if needed.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: When cooking sausages, it’s important to make sure they reach an internal temperature of 70°C (160°F) to ensure they’re safe to eat.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Feel free to add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley to the mixture for an extra flavor boost.
Storage:
- Refrigeration: Store the uncooked sausages in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Cooked sausages can be stored for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the sausages for up to 3 months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, based on 10 servings):
- Calories: 230 kcal
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sodium: 850mg
FAQs:
1. What is the purpose of nitrite salt in the recipe?
Nitrite salt is often used in sausage making to preserve the meat and prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. It also adds a distinct flavor to the sausage.
2. Can I omit the nitrite salt?
Yes, but omitting nitrite salt may reduce the shelf life of the sausage and alter its flavor. If you skip it, be sure to consume the sausage within a few days or freeze it.
3. Can I substitute chicken or pork with other meats?
Absolutely! You can replace chicken or pork with other meats like turkey or lamb, depending on your taste preferences.
4. What can I serve with these sausages?
These sausages pair well with mashed potatoes, grilled vegetables, or a fresh green salad. They also go great in sandwiches or on their own as a protein-packed snack.
5. How do I avoid dry sausages?
To avoid dry sausages, make sure to keep the meat cold during preparation and avoid overcooking them. The ice water and fat content in the meat also help maintain moisture.
Conclusion:
Homemade Mixed Meat Sausage is a fantastic dish to make from scratch, combining beef, pork, and chicken for a unique flavor and texture. With the right spices and ingredients, you can create a delicious, versatile sausage that can be enjoyed in many different ways. By making your own sausage, you can control the ingredients, avoiding unnecessary additives while enjoying a fresher and healthier option. Whether you’re grilling, frying, or baking them, these sausages are sure to be a hit. Try this recipe today and savor the taste of homemade goodness!