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Sweet and Hot Italian Sausage

Italian sausage is a fantastic ingredient that packs a huge punch of flavor. It is easy to make your own, and enables you to use any protein you choose.
Print Recipe
Ready In 30 minutes
Meal Type Stocks & Sauces
Good For Anytime
Servings 3 pounds Yield

Ingredients
  

  • 3 pounds (1 ½ kilos) ground meat (pork is traditional; I use turkey thighs or beef)
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon dried parsley
  • 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon dried sweet basil
  • 1 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon sweet or hot paprika (depending on whether you want your sausage to lean sweeter or hotter)
  • 1 teaspoon ground fennel seed (you can purchase whole seeds and crush them in a mortar and pestle)
  • ½ teaspoon fennel pollen

Step by Step Instructions
 

Step 1

  • Add all ingredients to a stand mixer, and mix on low speed for about 2 minutes using the paddle attachment, or until well-combined. Alternatively, add all ingredients to a large bowl and mix with a rubber spatula.

Step 2

  • If using immediately, heat a small amount of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown, drain, and add to tomato sauce.

Step 3

  • If you prefer to freeze and save, divide the meat evenly into quart-sized freezer bags, and press flat. Stack in your freezer, and use within 3-4 months.

Step 4

  • Finally, if you wish to stuff your sausages, here is a useful video from Food Farmer Earth (skip ahead to 9:30 for stuffing instructions; the video begins with a meat grinding tutorial).