19 Dry Cured Italian Sausage Recipe Try These Culinary Delights!
Published on: Mar 15, 2024
Dry cured Italian sausage is a beloved staple in many households, and for good reason. Its savory and robust flavors make it a versatile ingredient in a variety of dishes, from pastas to pizzas to soups. But what sets this sausage apart from others is its unique curing process. Unlike other types of sausage that require cooking, dry cured Italian sausage is preserved through a process of salting and air-drying, resulting in a firm and flavorful meat that can be enjoyed as is, without any additional cooking. In this article, we'll take a closer look at what makes this sausage so special and share a delicious recipe for you to try at home.
Italian Sausage, Tomato, and Macaroni Soup with Basil
Main Ingredients: Homemade Chicken Stock, Dried Basil, Fennel, Tomatoes
Looking for a hearty and comforting dish to warm you up on a chilly night? Look no further than this Italian Sausage, Tomato, and Macaroni Soup with Basil. This recipe combines the savory flavors of Italian sausage with the tanginess of tomatoes and the freshness of basil for a delicious and satisfying soup. Plus, it's easy to make in just one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
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Dry Cured Italian Sausage with Marshmallow Cream Sauce
Main Ingredients: Cream Cheese, Marshmallow Cream, Italian Sausage
Take your taste buds on a unique and delicious journey with this Dry Cured Italian Sausage with Marshmallow Cream Sauce. The combination of savory, spicy sausage with the sweet and creamy marshmallow sauce will leave you wanting more. It's a perfect dish for a special occasion or just for a fun twist on a classic Italian sausage recipe.
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Italian Sausage Bake
Main Ingredients: Italian Sausages, Mushrooms, Bell Peppers, Marinara
Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this easy and flavorful Italian Sausage Bake. This dish features juicy Italian sausage, tender potatoes, and crispy peppers and onions, all in one pan. It's the perfect meal for those busy evenings when you want something delicious without a lot of effort.
If you're a fan of one-pot meals, you'll love this One Pot Italian Sausage Pasta. Not only does it save on dishes, but it also combines all the wonderful flavors of Italian sausage, garlic, and herbs with al dente pasta for a comforting and satisfying meal. Plus, it's ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
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Skillet Italian Sausage and Peppers
Main Ingredients: Italian Sausage, Olive Oil, Bell Peppers, Small Onion
For a classic and flavorful Italian dish, try this Skillet Italian Sausage and Peppers recipe. It's a simple and easy meal that brings together the sweet and tangy flavors of peppers with the savory and spicy taste of Italian sausage. Serve it over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread for a delicious and filling dinner.
If you're a pasta lover, you'll want to add this Italian Sausage Pasta recipe to your repertoire. This dish features al dente pasta tossed with juicy Italian sausage, fresh tomatoes, and a touch of cream for a hearty and flavorful meal. It's perfect for a cozy night in or for serving a crowd.
Looking for a hearty and satisfying dish that's also budget-friendly? This Italian Sausage, Potatoes, Peppers and Onions recipe is just what you need. It's a one-pan meal that combines the flavors of Italian sausage, tender potatoes, and colorful peppers and onions for a filling and delicious dish.
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Creamy Keto Italian Sausage Soup
Main Ingredients: Butter, Onion, Garlic, Bone Broth, Cream Cheese
If you're following a keto diet, you don't have to miss out on delicious and comforting soups. This Creamy Keto Italian Sausage Soup is low-carb and high in fat, making it the perfect option for those looking to stay in ketosis. It's packed with flavor from Italian sausage, cream, and a blend of herbs and spices.
This Italian Sausage and Peppers recipe is a classic and versatile dish that can be served in many different ways. You can enjoy it as a sandwich, over pasta, or even on its own as a main dish. The combination of spicy Italian sausage, sweet peppers, and tangy tomatoes is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
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Crockpot Italian Sausage Soup
Main Ingredients: Italian Sausage, Onions, Large Carrots, White Beans
When life gets busy, it can be a lifesaver to have a slow cooker recipe on hand. This Crockpot Italian Sausage Soup is the perfect meal for those hectic days. Simply throw all the ingredients into your crockpot in the morning, and come home to a flavorful and comforting soup in the evening.
If you're looking for a pasta dish that's a little different from the usual spaghetti or penne, give this Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta a try. The bow tie pasta adds a fun twist to the dish, while the Italian sausage, tomatoes, and herbs bring all the classic Italian flavors you love. Plus, it's an easy and quick meal that's perfect for busy weeknights.
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Italian Sausage and Eggplant Casserole
Main Ingredients: Eggplants, Salt, Olive Oil, Yellow Onion, Garlic
For a hearty and flavorful casserole that's sure to please a crowd, try this Italian Sausage and Eggplant Casserole. This dish features layers of Italian sausage, eggplant, and tomato sauce, all topped with a cheesy and crispy breadcrumb topping. It's a great option for a potluck or as a main dish for a family gathering.
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Italian Sausage Pasta Soup
Main Ingredients: Roasted Red Pepper, Italian Sausage, Small Pasta, Fresh
Soup and pasta lovers, unite! This Italian Sausage Pasta Soup combines the best of both worlds into one delicious and comforting dish. It's packed with vegetables, protein from the sausage, and al dente pasta, all in a flavorful broth. Serve it with a crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
For a fun and tasty twist on a classic pizza, try making this Italian Sausage and Pepperoni Stromboli. It's like a pizza in a roll, filled with all your favorite toppings and wrapped up in a crispy and flaky dough. It's great for parties, game days, or just as a fun dinner for the family.
Broccoli rabe, also known as rapini, is a slightly bitter and hearty green that pairs perfectly with spicy Italian sausage. This Italian Sausage and Broccoli Rabe recipe is a simple and delicious way to enjoy these two ingredients together. Serve it over pasta or with a side of crusty bread for a complete meal.
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One Pan Italian Sausage and Pepper Pasta
Main Ingredients: Italian Sausage, Water, Red Bell Pepper, Green Bell
If you're short on time and dishes, this One Pan Italian Sausage and Pepper Pasta is the perfect solution. It's an easy and flavorful meal that combines savory Italian sausage, colorful peppers, and al dente pasta, all in one pan. It's a great option for busy weeknights or when you just don't feel like doing a lot of cooking.
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Italian Sausage & Eggplant Deep Dish
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Chopped Onion, Italian Sausage, Fire Roasted
This Italian Sausage & Eggplant Deep Dish is a hearty and indulgent dish that's perfect for a special occasion or when you want to impress your guests. It features layers of Italian sausage, eggplant, and cheese, all baked in a flaky and buttery deep dish crust. It's a true comfort food that's worth the extra effort.
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Italian Sausage Microwave Baked Potatoes
Main Ingredients: Russet Potatoes, Olive Oil, Italian Sausage, Onion
For a quick and easy meal that's perfect for lunch or a light dinner, try these Italian Sausage Microwave Baked Potatoes. They're a filling and flavorful option that can be customized with your favorite toppings. Plus, they're ready in just minutes thanks to the magic of the microwave.
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Zuppa Toscana {Creamy Potato & Kale Soup with Italian...
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Italian Sausage, Red Pepper Flakes, Garlic
Zuppa Toscana, a creamy and hearty soup traditionally made with sausage, potatoes, and kale, gets a delicious twist in this recipe with the addition of Italian sausage. The spicy and flavorful sausage adds a kick to the soup, while the potatoes and kale provide texture and nutrition. It's perfect for a cold day or when you're feeling under the weather.
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Penne Pasta with Italian Sausage Sauce
Main Ingredients: Italian Sausage, Onion, Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce
If you're a fan of pasta with meat sauce, you'll love this Penne Pasta with Italian Sausage Sauce. This dish features a rich and flavorful tomato sauce made with Italian sausage, garlic, and herbs, all tossed with al dente penne pasta. It's an easy and satisfying meal that's perfect for any night of the week.
The Curing Process
The Importance of Salt
One of the key components in the dry curing process is salt. Salt acts as a preservative by drawing out moisture from the meat, which inhibits the growth of bacteria. Additionally, it helps to enhance and balance the flavors of the sausage, giving it that distinct umami taste. When making dry cured Italian sausage, it's important to use high-quality kosher salt for best results.
The Role of Air-Drying
After the sausage has been salted, it is then hung in a controlled environment to air-dry. This allows for the flavors to intensify and for the sausage to develop its characteristic texture. Traditionally, this process would take place in a cool, dry cellar or basement, but with modern technology, it can be replicated in a refrigerator or dedicated curing chamber. The length of time needed for air-drying varies depending on the size and type of sausage, but it can take anywhere from a few days to several months.
Recipe for Dry Cured Italian Sausage
Now that you understand the basics of the curing process, it's time to put it into practice with a delicious recipe for dry cured Italian sausage. This recipe is simple and can be adjusted to suit your personal preferences. Pork shoulder is the traditional cut of meat used for this sausage, but you can also use a combination of pork and beef for a heartier flavor.
Ingredients:
- 3 pounds of pork shoulder, trimmed and cut into chunks
- 1 pound of beef chuck, trimmed and cut into chunks (optional)
- 2 tablespoons of kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon of freshly ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons of fennel seeds
- 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- Natural hog casings
- Butcher's twine
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, mix together the pork, beef (if using), salt, pepper, fennel seeds, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, and paprika until well combined.
2. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 24 hours to allow the flavors to develop.
3. After 24 hours, remove the meat from the refrigerator and grind it using a meat grinder or food processor.
4. Soak the hog casings in warm water for 30 minutes to soften them.
5. Thread the casings onto the sausage stuffer attachment of a stand mixer or sausage stuffer machine.
6. Stuff the meat mixture into the casings, twisting them every 6 inches to create individual sausages.
7. Tie off each end of the sausage with butcher's twine.
8. Hang the sausages in a cool, dry place to air-dry for 2-3 weeks, or until they have lost 35-40% of their original weight.
9. Once fully cured, remove the sausages from their casings and enjoy sliced thinly on a charcuterie board, or use them in your favorite recipes.
In conclusion, dry cured Italian sausage is a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be made at home with just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of patience. Whether enjoyed on its own or in various dishes, this sausage is sure to add a burst of flavor to any meal. So why not give this recipe a try and experience the deliciousness of homemade dry cured Italian sausage for yourself?
Italian Sausage, Tomato, and Macaroni Soup with Basil
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