Linguica
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This recipe for homemade Linguica meat balls offers a healthier twist on the traditional Portuguese sausage, using ground turkey instead of pork. It's a flavorful and versatile sausage that can be grilled, sautéed, or used in various dishes. Try them in a hearty winter soup, or even for breakfast on a morning when the snow is quietly falling.
What You Will Need
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons sweet red wine or port (or dry red wine with 1 teaspoon sugar)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika with 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon sugar
The Process
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, minced garlic, salt, wine, smoked paprika, black pepper, oregano, and sugar.
- Mix Thoroughly: Use your hands to mix the ingredients together until well combined.
- Form the Sausage:
- Casings: If using sausage casings, fill them with the meat mixture, tying off the ends as you go.
- Patties: If not using casings, shape the mixture into patties or sausage-shaped links.
- MeatBalls: You can also form them into balls.
- Cook the Sausage:
- Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the sausages or patties for about 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
- Pan-Fry: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausages or patties to the hot skillet and cook for about 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
- Serve: Once cooked, serve the Linguica immediately. It can be enjoyed on its own, in sandwiches, or as part of a larger meal.
Tips:
- For a spicier Linguica, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- To add a smoky flavor, use a wood chip smoker box on your grill.
- You can also freeze the uncooked sausage for later use.