Joe’s Favorite Elk Sausage Recipe
Prepare to embark on a culinary journey with this tantalizing recipe for Joe’s Favorite Elk Sausage, a savory delight that will surely become a staple in your kitchen. Bursting with flavors reminiscent of the Southwestern U.S. and the Canadian wilderness, this recipe promises to elevate your dining experience to new heights. π΄
Preparation Time: 48 hours
Cooking Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 56 hours
Servings: 5 sausages
Calories per Serving: 904.8
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 tablespoons hickory smoke salt
- 1 tablespoon fresh coarse ground black pepper
- 5 mustard seeds
- 2 1/2 pounds ground elk meat
- 2 1/2 pounds ground pork
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions:
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Mix Seasonings: In a large mixing bowl, combine the hickory smoke salt, black pepper, mustard seeds, minced garlic, and dried thyme. Stir until well blended to create a flavorful seasoning mix.
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Incorporate with Meat: Add the ground elk meat and ground pork to the bowl containing the seasoning mix. Using your hands, thoroughly mix the seasonings into the meat until evenly distributed. This step is crucial for ensuring each bite is bursting with flavor.
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Refrigerate Overnight: Cover the seasoned meat mixture and refrigerate it overnight to allow the flavors to meld together and intensify. This overnight marination process is essential for achieving the perfect balance of flavors.
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Mix Again: The following day, take the meat mixture out of the refrigerator and give it another good mix to ensure that the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
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Refrigerate Again: Cover the meat mixture once more and return it to the refrigerator for another night of chilling. This additional refrigeration time will further enhance the flavors and texture of the sausage.
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Form Sausage Rolls: After the second night of refrigeration, divide the meat mixture into 5 equal portions and shape them into rolls. Ensure that each roll is tightly packed and free of air pockets to achieve a uniform texture.
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Bake: Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C). Place the sausage rolls on a rack set in a large shallow pan, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This setup allows for even cooking and ensures that the sausages retain their shape.
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Initial Baking: Bake the sausages in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. This initial high-temperature baking helps to seal in the juices and develop a beautiful exterior crust.
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Slow Cooking: After the initial baking, reduce the oven temperature to 200Β°F (95Β°C). Continue baking the sausages for 8 hours, turning them every 2 hours to ensure even cooking. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together and the sausages to develop a rich, succulent texture.
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Drain Excess Grease: Throughout the cooking process, periodically check the pan and drain off any excess grease that accumulates. This step helps to prevent the sausages from becoming greasy and ensures a deliciously moist final product.
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Check Doneness: The sausages are done when the exterior is dark and glossy, and the interior is cooked through with a hint of pink. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature reaches 160Β°F (71Β°C) for optimal safety.
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Cool and Store: Once cooked, allow the sausages to cool slightly before handling. Then, individually wrap each sausage in foil to preserve its freshness and flavor. These sausages can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or in the freezer for up to 4 weeks, making them a convenient option for meal prep and future enjoyment.
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of Joe’s Favorite Elk Sausage, and savor each mouthwatering bite. Whether enjoyed on its own as a hearty snack or incorporated into your favorite dishes, this recipe is sure to impress even the most discerning palates. Bon appΓ©tit! π
