Bratwurst-inspired Turkey Sausage

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Sausages German Moderate
Bratwurst-inspired Turkey Sausage
A fantastical image to inspire you.

This recipe offers a healthier and more versatile take on the classic German sausage, bratwurst. By using ground turkey and a blend of aromatic spices, you can create a flavorful sausage that’s perfect for grilling, pan-frying, or boiling. This homemade version allows you to control the ingredients and avoid artificial additives often found in store-bought sausages.

What You Will Need

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp sea salt
  • ¼ tsp mace
  • ¼ tsp marjoram
  • 1/8 tsp ginger powder
  • 1/8 tsp mustard powde
  • r 1/16 tsp coriander, ground
  • 1/16 tsp caraway, ground
  • 1/16 tsp cardamom, ground
  • 1 tbs milk
  • 1 tbs olive oil

The Process

  1. Combine Spices: In a small bowl, combine the black pepper, sea salt, mace, marjoram, ginger powder, mustard powder, coriander, caraway, and cardamom.
  2. Mix with Ground Turkey: Add the ground turkey, milk, and olive oil to the spice mixture.
  3. Mix Thoroughly: Use your hands to mix the ingredients until they are well combined.
  4. Form Sausages: Shape the mixture into sausage links or patties.
  5. Cook:
    1. Grill: Grill the sausages or patties over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until cooked through.
    2. Pan-fry: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausages or patties and cook until browned on both sides and cooked through.
    3. Boil: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the sausages or patties and simmer until cooked through.

Tips for Rolling Sausages Without Casings and a Stuffing Tool

While using casings is the traditional method for sausage making, there are a few alternative techniques to shape your sausage mixture into links without them:

1. Baking Sheet Method:

  • Shape the Sausages: Portion the meat mixture into equal-sized balls.
  • Flatten the Balls: Press each ball into a slightly flattened, elongated shape. Arrange on a Baking Sheet: Place the shaped sausages on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  • Cook: Bake or grill the sausages according to your desired recipe.

2. Pan-Frying Method:

  • Shape the Sausages: Form the meat mixture into patties or small logs
  • . Cook: Pan-fry the sausages in a skillet with oil until they are cooked through and browned.

3. Grilling Method:

  • Shape the Sausages: Form the meat mixture into patties or kebabs.
  • Grill: Grill the sausages directly on the grill grates or on skewers.

Tips for Shaping Sausages:

  • Keep Your Hands Moist: Wet your hands slightly to prevent the meat from sticking.
  • Work Quickly: The warmer the meat mixture gets, the more difficult it will be to shape.
  • Chill the Meat: If the meat mixture becomes too warm, chill it in the refrigerator for a few minutes before shaping.
  • Use a Non-Stick Surface: A non-stick baking sheet or skillet will help prevent the sausages from sticking.

Remember, while these methods don't give you the classic sausage link shape, they still allow you to enjoy the flavors of your homemade sausage.