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While packaged sausages that you can pick up off of a supermarket shelf are convenient to fry up for breakfast, nothing quite beats the flavour and freshness of handmade sausages. These preservative-free, smoked meats are rich with the fat of the meat contributing to its taste, along with the use of herbs and spices that highlight the meat in the best way possible. Natural casing sausages – which is what most artisanal sausages usually end up being, can be consumed as a whole or must be removed before the meat inside is cooked in any way you prefer.
While considering what to buy and how to cook with a handmade sausage – be it a Goan chorizo, or a fennel and pork sausage and even a spicy chicken variant, taking into account one’s personal preferences and what you plan on doing with them can be quite helpful in making a decision. To most people who are unfamiliar with the world of cured meats, sausages, although mostly eaten for breakfast, can also double up as a great protein element in your meal. Not only do they contribute lots of flavour to a recipe, but also have a toothsome snap which is a texture unique to these types of meats. Here’s everything you need to know.
Purchasing
When looking to purchase sausages, sourcing from reputable butchers or artisanal producers, local makers and specialty shops are good places to find high-quality meats. Since high-quality artisanal sausages typically use fresh, premium ingredients, chances of finding a product with excessive fillers, preservatives or artificial additives is rare. Picking out cured sausages made with high-quality, lean cuts of pork and poultry also elevate the quality of your product, thereby justifying its price point. With expensive sausages, some producers may use organic or pasture-raised meats, in order to contribute to the overall flavour and texture; hence, these meats typically come in a variety of styles, ranging from mild to spicy and from savoury to sweet.
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Additionally, checking for a vibrant colour and moist appearance, with a firm and springy texture that feels consistent throughout, indicates the proper mixing of ingredients. Local cured meat producers often take more care in their craft, and asking the makers about the meat products they work with should be an important part of the process, when making a first-time purchase. Inquire about the cuts of meat used, the seasoning process and any unique aspects that go into the creation of these products. Unless you have prior experience of eating or cooking with sausages from a local producer, consider buying a small quantity first to taste and assess before purchasing in larger quantities.
Cooking
Cooking with good quality artisanal sausages can be a delicious and rewarding experience since they often have a robust flavour that needs heat applications at high temperatures for a shorter amount of time. Hence, grilling or searing can enhance the taste, over medium-high heat to achieve a nice sear on the outside can make the flavours develop a more complex profile. On the other hand, for sausages with higher fat content or those that are relatively delicate, cooking them at a lower temperature for a longer time can help render the fat slowly and maintain a juicy interior.
Boiling or steaming sausages is a gentler cooking method that is especially useful when preparing sausages for dishes like casseroles, stews or pasta sauces. Being mindful of cooking times to prevent overcooking, can lead to a dry sausage. Consider the flavour profile of the sausages when choosing complementary ingredients. For example, the Goan chorizo sausage is high on the vinegar and chilli flavours and so, pairing it with cooked onions that turn sweet works well to complement the spicy meat. Similarly, pair a sweet fennel and pork sausage with vegetables that have marinated in a spicy sauce to offset the mild flavours of the meat.
Using simple ingredients like herbs, garlic, olive oil and a touch of acid from vinegar or citrus juices really help elevate the recipe in which sausages are used. Moreover, condiments like mustard, chimichurri, tomato-based sauces or fruit chutneys complement the flavours of fresh smoked meats rather well, when served with a host of breads and vegetables. Using artisanal sausages in recipes that draw out the flavour of the meat (read: paella, stews) creates a cohesive and delicious meal. If you want to amplify the experience further, find beers or wines that would pair well with your processed meat for a formal sit-down meal or weekend dinner.
