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Homemade Italian sausage on a rustic wooden board, seasoned with herbs.

Italian Sausage

A savory and aromatic recipe for homemade Italian sausage with robust flavors, perfect for various dishes.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 6 pounds Pork shoulder (cut into large 2-inch cubes) Choose high-quality pork for best flavor.
  • ½ cup red wine (chilled) Use a good quality wine for flavor.
Seasonings
  • 2.5 tablespoons kosher salt
  • 4 tablespoons fennel seeds
  • 4 tablespoons sweet paprika
  • 4 tablespoons fresh oregano (finely minced)
  • 4 tablespoons fresh basil (finely minced)
  • 4 tablespoons fresh Italian parsley (finely minced)
  • 2 tablespoons red pepper flakes Adjust based on spice preference.
  • 2 tablespoons granulated garlic
  • 1 tablespoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper Optional for added heat.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cut the pork shoulder into large 2-inch pieces, removing any bones or sinew. Freeze them for 10-20 minutes.
  2. Using a meat grinder, grind the pork into a bowl set in ice to keep it cold.
Mixing
  1. Mix all the seasonings into the ground meat.
  2. Add the chilled red wine and stir until it gets sticky and fabulous.
Taste Testing
  1. Cook a small portion to taste, adjusting those seasonings as needed.
Storage
  1. Divide into smaller portions and store in freezer-safe bags. Use fresh within 3-5 days or freeze until you’re ready to enjoy.

Notes

Chill your equipment for a smoother grind. Experiment with herbs and fat ratios for different flavors. For a plant-based option, consider using veggie blends or plant-based meats.