Craving a burst of savory flavor that’ll transport you straight to the heart of Vigan, Ilocos Sur? Then look no further! This recipe for authentic Vigan longganisa will guide you through making this iconic Filipino sausage from scratch. It’s easier than you think, and the incredible aroma and taste are worth every minute. Perfect for a quick dinner, a weekend brunch, or even as a delicious appetizer, this homemade version lets you control the ingredients for a healthier, more flavorful experience. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this delicious dish!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1/2 lb ground fat (pork fat is traditional, but you can substitute with a blend of beef fat and pork fat for a leaner option)
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon onion, minced
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground anise (this is key for the authentic Vigan flavor!)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, adjust to your spice preference)
Instructions:
Get Started: In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, ground fat, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, minced onion, black pepper, salt, anise, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Mix it Up: Use your hands to thoroughly mix all the ingredients until they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. This is crucial for achieving a consistent flavor and texture in your longganisa.
Chill Out: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This chilling period allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a more complex and delicious sausage.
Stuff and Shape: You can either stuff the longganisa mixture into cleaned casings (natural hog casings are traditional) or simply shape the mixture into small patties or links. If using casings, you'll need a sausage stuffer for best results. If not, shaping into patties is perfectly acceptable and equally delicious.
Cook it Up: You can cook the Vigan longganisa in several ways:
- Pan-fry: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a pan over medium heat. Cook the longganisa patties or links until golden brown and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes per side.
- Grill: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Grill the longganisa for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through. This method adds a smoky char that’s fantastic.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the longganisa on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, remove the longganisa from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This incredibly flavorful sausage is delightful on its own or served as part of a larger meal. It's incredibly tasty with rice, eggs, and pan de sal!
Tips for the Best Vigan Longganisa:
- Don’t skip the chilling: This step is vital for developing the flavor of your longganisa.
- Use high-quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the taste of your sausage.
- Adjust the spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of spices to your preference.
- Experiment with different casings: If you’re using casings, you can experiment with different types.
Variations:
- Sweet Vigan Longganisa: Increase the brown sugar to 3 tablespoons for a sweeter version.
- Spicy Vigan Longganisa: Add more red pepper flakes or a chopped chili pepper for extra heat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate, will vary based on cooking method and portion size):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: 20-25g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 2-5g
This recipe is a celebration of Filipino cuisine, offering a simple yet rewarding cooking experience. Enjoy the journey of creating this delicious taste of the Philippines in your own kitchen. Happy cooking!