Cudighi Recipe
Cudighi is a flavorful Italian sausage that originated in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. It’s a delicious combination of pork, spices, and herbs, making it a popular choice for sandwiches and pasta dishes. In this easy and short recipe, we’ll guide you through the process of making homemade cudighi sausage that’s sure to impress your taste buds.
Cudighi Recipe Ingredients
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground pork | 2 pounds |
| Ground beef | 1 pound |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 4 cloves |
| Red wine vinegar | 2 tablespoons |
| Fennel seeds, crushed | 1 tablespoon |
| Dried oregano | 1 tablespoon |
| Paprika | 1 teaspoon |
| Red pepper flakes | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 2 teaspoons |
| Black pepper | 1 teaspoon |
| Hog casings, soaked | As needed |
Instructions
1. Prepare the Ingredients
- Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients listed in the chart.
- Ensure that the hog casings are thoroughly soaked in water according to the package instructions.
2. Mix the Meat
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork and ground beef.
- Add minced garlic, crushed fennel seeds, dried oregano, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to the meat mixture.
3. Add Red Wine Vinegar
- Pour the red wine vinegar over the meat and spice mixture.
- Use your hands to mix everything thoroughly, ensuring that the spices are evenly distributed.
4. Stuff the Sausage
- Prepare your sausage stuffer according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Thread the hog casings onto the sausage stuffer nozzle, leaving a small overhang.
- Stuff the sausage mixture into the casings, making sure to avoid overfilling.
5. Form the Sausage Links
- Twist the sausage mixture at regular intervals to form individual links.
- Use kitchen twine to tie off the ends of each link.
6. Let the Sausage Rest
Allow the sausage links to rest in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This helps the flavors meld and the casings to set.
7. Cooking Options
Cudighi sausage can be cooked in various ways:
- Grilling: Grill the sausage links over medium-high heat until they are cooked through and have a nice char.
- Baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the sausage links for about 25-30 minutes or until fully cooked.
- Pan-Frying: Cook the sausage links in a skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
8. Serve and Enjoy
- Once the cudighi sausage is cooked, you can serve it in a variety of ways.
- For a classic cudighi sandwich, place the cooked sausage in a hearty roll and top it with sautéed peppers and onions.
9. Store the Leftovers
If you have leftover cudighi sausage, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the sausage for longer storage.
Conclusion
Making homemade cudighi sausage is a rewarding culinary adventure that allows you to savor the authentic flavors of this Italian-American classic. With a perfect balance of spices and the option to customize the cooking method, you can enjoy cudighi in sandwiches, pasta dishes, or any way you prefer. Follow this easy recipe, and you’ll have a delicious batch of cudighi ready to impress your family and friends.
