Are you looking for a unique and flavorful addition to your repertoire of easy recipes? Look no further! This venison and pork sausage recipe delivers a hearty, delicious dish perfect for a quick dinner or a weekend feast. Combining the leanness of venison with the richness of pork creates a sausage that's both satisfying and surprisingly healthy. This homemade cooking adventure is easier than you might think, perfect for those seeking delicious dishes without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground venison
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup milk or water (optional, for moisture)
- Sausage casings (natural or collagen) – optional, for link sausages
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Sausage Mixture
In a large bowl, gently combine the ground venison and ground pork. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the sausage tough. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, sage, thyme, rosemary, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly but delicately. If the mixture seems dry, add the milk or water, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.
Step 2: Making the Sausage Links (Optional)
If using casings, prepare them according to the package instructions. Generally, this involves soaking them in warm water. Once prepared, attach the casing to a sausage stuffer (or a large zip-top bag with a corner snipped off for a simpler approach). Carefully stuff the sausage mixture into the casings, twisting them into links of your desired length.
Step 3: Cooking the Sausage
You have several options for cooking your venison and pork sausage:
- Pan-frying: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausages and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through (internal temperature of 160°F or 71°C). This is a great method for quick dinner ideas.
- Baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the sausages on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through. This method is excellent for even cooking.
- Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Grill the sausages, turning occasionally, until cooked through and nicely charred. Perfect for summer meals!
Step 4: Serving
Once cooked, remove the sausages from the heat and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. These delicious sausages are fantastic on their own, in sandwiches, or as part of a larger meal.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor: Add a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce or brown sugar to the sausage mixture.
- Spice it up: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Add some crunch: Incorporate some chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, into the sausage mixture.
- Herb experimentation: Feel free to experiment with other herbs and spices based on your preferences. A little crumbled fennel seed can add a wonderful licorice-like note.
Nutritional Information (per 1 sausage link, approximate):
This information is an estimate and will vary depending on the size of the sausage and ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 200-250
- Protein: Approximately 20-25g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
This venison and pork sausage recipe offers a healthy and delicious way to enjoy game meat. It's a versatile dish perfect for various occasions, from casual weeknight dinners to more elaborate gatherings. Enjoy your culinary creation!