Rustic Italian Sausage

Name: Rustic Italian Sausage
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 lbs ground pork; 2 tsp salt; 1.5 tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp fennel seed; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp paprika; 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes; 1 tsp dried oregano; 0.5 tsp sugar

🕒 Prep: 15 min

🔥 Cook: 20 min

🍽 Serves: 6

★★★★★

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This Rustic Italian Sausage recipe brings the authentic taste of Italy right to your kitchen, with a perfect balance of spices and flavors. Whether you’re looking to spice up a pasta dish or create a hearty breakfast, these sausages are a must-try for any home cook.

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Ingredients for Rustic Italian Sausage

Ground pork is the heart of the sausage, providing rich flavor and a juicy texture. Make sure to choose a quality blend with some fat for the best taste. Salt and black pepper are essential for seasoning, enhancing the natural flavors of the pork. Fennel seed adds a sweet, anise-like flavor that’s classic in Italian sausages. Garlic brings a pungent warmth and depth to the mix. Paprika provides a mild sweetness and beautiful color. For a bit of heat, crushed red pepper flakes do the trick. Dried oregano adds an earthy, herbal note, while a touch of sugar balances the flavors.

Tips & Tricks

If you prefer spicier sausages, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes.
For a smoother texture, briefly pulse the fennel seeds in a spice grinder.
Always let the sausage mixture rest in the fridge to enhance the flavors.
Test a small patty in the skillet first to adjust seasoning before forming all the sausages.

Serving Suggestions

These sausages are incredibly versatile! Slice them into an Italian pasta dish, or serve them on a toasted bun with sautéed peppers and onions for a classic sausage sandwich. They also make a great side for a hearty breakfast with scrambled eggs and roasted potatoes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze these sausages?: Absolutely! After forming the sausages, place them on a baking sheet and freeze. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Can I use ground turkey instead of pork?: Yes, ground turkey can be used as a leaner option. Just be aware that the flavor and texture might be slightly different.
How can I tell if the sausages are fully cooked?: Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

Rustic Italian Sausage Recipe Walkthrough

Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. Add the ground pork, salt, black pepper, fennel seed, and minced garlic. Use your hands to mix these ingredients gently. Next, sprinkle in the paprika, crushed red pepper flakes, dried oregano, and sugar. Continue mixing until everything is thoroughly combined, making sure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the pork.

Once mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it into the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This chilling time is crucial as it allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more cohesive taste.

After the sausage mixture has chilled, decide if you want links or patties. Form the mixture according to your preference, making sure they’re uniform in size for even cooking.

To cook, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add your sausages and let them cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally. You’ll know they’re done when they’re nicely browned on the outside and cooked through on the inside. Remember, patience is key here – don’t rush the process to ensure you get that perfect texture.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Easy to make with simple ingredients you probably already have.
Perfect for meal prep – make ahead and freeze for later.
Customizable heat level to suit your taste.
Authentic Italian flavors without any store-bought fillers.

Ingredients

2 lbs ground pork

2 tsp salt

1.5 tsp black pepper

1 tbsp fennel seed

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tbsp paprika

1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

1 tsp dried oregano

0.5 tsp sugar

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine ground pork, salt, black pepper, fennel seed, and minced garlic.

2. Add paprika, crushed red pepper flakes, dried oregano, and sugar to the mixture.

3. Use your hands to thoroughly mix the ingredients until fully combined.

4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, allowing flavors to meld.

5. Form the mixture into sausage links or patties as desired.

6. Cook sausages in a skillet over medium heat for 10-12 minutes or until fully cooked, turning occasionally.

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