When it comes to Easter traditions, the Croatian Easter sausage recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to add a little international flair to their holiday meal. This savory sausage is made using a blend of pork and beef, seasoned with a variety of herbs and spices, and cooked to perfection. Whether you’re celebrating Easter with family and friends or simply looking to try something new, this recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients
– 1 pound ground pork
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon pepper
– 1 tablespoon paprika
– 1 tablespoon garlic powder
– 1 tablespoon onion powder
– 1 tablespoon dried marjoram
– 1 tablespoon dried thyme
– 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup milk
– 2 eggs
– Sausage casings
– Cooking oil
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork and beef, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, marjoram, thyme, and rosemary. Mix everything together until well combined.
Step 2: Add the Breadcrumbs, Milk, and Eggs
In a separate bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, milk, and eggs. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes to allow the breadcrumbs to absorb the liquid. Then, add the breadcrumb mixture to the meat mixture and mix everything together until well combined.
Step 3: Stuff the Sausage Casings
Stuff the meat mixture into the sausage casings, making sure to pack the mixture in tightly. Twist the casings to create individual sausages, each about 6 inches long.
Step 4: Cook the Sausages
Heat some cooking oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sausages and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are cooked through and browned on the outside.
Nutritional Information
One serving of Croatian Easter sausage contains approximately:
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 14g
- Fat: 19g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
Cooking Time
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Equipment
– Large mixing bowl
– Skillet
– Sausage casings
– Meat grinder (optional)
Serving Suggestions
Croatian Easter sausage is traditionally served as a main course for Easter dinner. It pairs well with mashed potatoes, sauerkraut, and a cold beer. You can also slice it up and serve it as an appetizer with some spicy mustard and crackers.
Variations
If you want to switch things up, you can try adding different herbs and spices to the meat mixture. Some popular options include fennel seeds, coriander, and cumin. You can also experiment with different types of meat, such as lamb or veal.
Substitutions
If you don’t have sausage casings, you can still make this recipe by shaping the meat mixture into patties and cooking them in a skillet. You can also substitute the breadcrumbs with panko breadcrumbs or crushed crackers.
Storage
Leftover sausages can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Tips
– Make sure to pack the meat mixture into the sausage casings tightly to prevent air pockets.
– If you’re using a meat grinder, make sure to chill the meat in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before grinding to prevent it from becoming too warm and mushy.
– Don’t overcook the sausages, as they will become dry and tough.
Notes
Traditionally, Croatian Easter sausage is made with a blend of pork and beef, but you can adjust the ratio to suit your taste. Some recipes also call for adding red wine or vinegar to the meat mixture to give the sausages a tangy flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Croatian Easter Sausage?
Croatian Easter sausage is a traditional sausage made using a blend of pork and beef, seasoned with a variety of herbs and spices, and cooked to perfection. It’s a popular dish served during the Easter holiday in Croatia and other parts of Europe.
Can I make Croatian Easter sausage without sausage casings?
Yes, you can still make Croatian Easter sausage by shaping the meat mixture into patties and cooking them in a skillet.
What should I serve with Croatian Easter sausage?
Croatian Easter sausage pairs well with mashed potatoes, sauerkraut, and a cold beer. You can also slice it up and serve it as an appetizer with some spicy mustard and crackers.
If you’re looking to add a little heat to your Easter meal, this spicy Croatian Easter sausage recipe is sure to do the trick. It uses many of the same ingredients as the traditional recipe, but with the addition of some fiery spices to give it a kick.
Ingredients
– 1 pound ground pork
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon pepper
– 1 tablespoon paprika
– 1 tablespoon garlic powder
– 1 tablespoon onion powder
– 1 tablespoon dried marjoram
– 1 tablespoon dried thyme
– 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
– 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes
– 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup milk
– 2 eggs
– Sausage casings
– Cooking oil
Instructions
Follow the same instructions as the traditional Croatian Easter sausage recipe, but add the red pepper flakes and cayenne pepper to the meat mixture in Step 1.
Nutritional Information
One serving of spicy Croatian Easter sausage contains approximately:
- Calories: 260
- Protein: 14g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
Cooking Time
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Equipment
– Large mixing bowl
– Skillet
– Sausage casings
– Meat grinder (optional)
Serving Suggestions
Spicy Croatian Easter sausage pairs well with mashed potatoes, sauerkraut, and a cold beer. You can also slice it up and serve it as an appetizer with some spicy mustard and crackers.
Variations
You can adjust the amount of red pepper flakes and cayenne pepper to suit your taste. If you prefer a milder sausage, use less; if you like it really hot, use more.
Substitutions
You can substitute the breadcrumbs with panko breadcrumbs or crushed crackers.
Storage
Leftover sausages can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Tips
– Make sure to pack the meat mixture into the sausage casings tightly to prevent air pockets.
– If you’re using a meat grinder, make sure to chill the meat in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before grinding to prevent it from becoming too warm and mushy.
– Don’t overcook the sausages, as they will become dry and tough.
Notes
If you want to make the sausage even spicier, you can add some diced jalapeno peppers to the meat mixture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is spicy Croatian Easter sausage?
Spicy Croatian Easter sausage is a variation of the traditional sausage made with the addition of red pepper flakes and cayenne pepper to give it a kick.
Can I make spicy Croatian Easter sausage without sausage casings?
Yes, you can still make spicy Croatian Easter sausage by shaping the meat mixture into patties and cooking them in a skillet.