Italian Fennel Sausage Recipe (2024)

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Cooking Notes

Klkruger

It's not too much salt if you're using Diamond Crystal. Not at all. If using Morton kosher use 1.5 teaspoon; use 1 teaspoon table salt. Rather than frying up a bit to test seasoning just stick a rounded teaspoon in a little bowl and microwave for 30 seconds or so, till just cooked through. Taste then adjust seasoning, if necessary, in the remaining mix before forming patties.

Carrie

I used Mortons kosher salt, and 2 tsp was too much. If you use Morton's, I recommend cutting back on the salt. My fault, the recipe specifies Diamond. I used turkey, and added about a tablespoon and a half of bacon fat. Turned out great.

Dave Kaye

I make the patties using a $1 circular cookie mold. Only fill it up about halfway or the patties will be too thick.

Nora Esthimer

Hi, Jim. Did you add fat to the ground turkey? If so, what and how much? Thanks!

Occupy Government

This is easy. Grind your own pork stew meat or butt, and feel free to add garlic and onion powder, paprika and herbs (thyme, oregano, marjoram). Add anise instead of or in addition to the fennel. It's best if you let it suppurate overnight. It freezes, well-wrapped, for weeks.

Katherine

For a guest who eats neither pork nor poultry, I made this with grass-fed beef but otherwise as written. Both she and I were wowed.

Carrie

I used Mortons kosher salt, and 2 tsp was too much. If you use Morton's, I recommend cutting back on the salt. My fault, the recipe specifies Diamond. I used turkey, and added about a tablespoon and a half of bacon fat. Turned out great.

Heidi

Delicious but a bit too salty. Next time I would cut the salt by half.

Dave Kaye

I make the patties using a $1 circular cookie mold. Only fill it up about halfway or the patties will be too thick.

Dave Kaye

Does this have to rest in the fridge as patties? Any reason this can't be just left in a bowl and turned into patties after 30 minutes? Does the heat of the hands affect things?

Klkruger

It's not too much salt if you're using Diamond Crystal. Not at all. If using Morton kosher use 1.5 teaspoon; use 1 teaspoon table salt. Rather than frying up a bit to test seasoning just stick a rounded teaspoon in a little bowl and microwave for 30 seconds or so, till just cooked through. Taste then adjust seasoning, if necessary, in the remaining mix before forming patties.

Gloucester

delicious! next time, I'll adjust the salt for my intended purpose. for more sparing use in pasta/pizza the 2 tsp of Diamond kosher salt is good; I would reduce the salt to about 1 tsp if I want the sausage to anchor a meal.

Eric W

Too much salt..... 1 t rather than 2t

Linda

Delicious and better than the grocery sausage by far. Make sure you have the suggested fat content in the ground pork. I guess mine was too lean, so patties were a bit dry, although still yummy!

Laura West

Make this simple fennel-scented sausage to toss into pasta or onto pizza. Par-cook large crumbles to fold into Thanksgiving stuffing or a pot of soup. Or

jim b

I used ground turkey instead of pork, and it came out great.

Nora Esthimer

Hi, Jim. Did you add fat to the ground turkey? If so, what and how much? Thanks!

Joan

Wondering what to serve this with?

Occupy Government

This is easy. Grind your own pork stew meat or butt, and feel free to add garlic and onion powder, paprika and herbs (thyme, oregano, marjoram). Add anise instead of or in addition to the fennel. It's best if you let it suppurate overnight. It freezes, well-wrapped, for weeks.

Frank

I'm sure you didn't mean suppurate.

Cedarglen

See my notes for the breakfast sausage as most apply here as well. This fennel sausage is wonderful and has so many uses! Cannot mark either one as 'cooked' as my sausage is close, but not close enough. Fun project!!

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Italian Fennel Sausage Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Is fennel sausage the same as Italian sausage? ›

Fennel is the spice that gives Italian sausage its Italian flavor. Often the fennel is a mixture of whole or cracked fennel seed and ground fennel. The whole or cracked fennel seed will help to give good visibility to the spice while the ground fennel will contribute a very distinctive fennel flavor.

What's the difference between Italian sausage and Sicilian sausage? ›

While other spices may be added to the Italian sausage, the prominent spices should always be fennel and basil. The original Sicilian sausage uses coarser ground meat and higher levels of fat while the Americanized versions are usually using finely ground meat and lower fat levels.

What is Tuscan fennel sausage? ›

Tuscan sausage, made in a traditional Tuscan recipe with only meat (pancetta shoulder) no bread crumbs. It is infused with fragrant fennel seeds, made only a few miles from Florence, this butcher has been in business for over 40 years.

What distinctive herb is critical to make Italian sausage? ›

But the term “Italian Sausage” has emerged in the US, and it has a specific flavor profile. It is a tube of coarsely ground pork sausage in natural pork casing, usually about 25% fat, with a distinctive flavor from fennel seed.

What brand of Italian sausage has fennel? ›

Rinaldi Fennel Sausage, commonly referred to as sweet Italian, is your traditional Italian sausage. The notes of anise derive from the use of ground fennel seed mixed with just the right amount of salt and pepper to achieve the traditional flavors of southern Italy.

Does Bob Evans Italian sausage have fennel in it? ›

Our high-quality Italian Sausage is made with premium cuts of pork. With Fennel seed and rich spices, it will add the flavor of the old country to all of your favorite dishes.

What is a godfather sausage? ›

The Godfather

A criminally good blend of salt, pepper, fennel, anise and Italian pork sausage.

What is Italian sausage called in Italy? ›

Salsiccia is certainly the most ancient and best known of sausages. It is made from fresh meat, mostly pork, with scraps of pancetta and bits of pork neck. It is usually eaten fresh, but is also often grilled. In northern Italy, these sausages are flavored with pepper, cinnamon, white wine and garlic.

What is the name of the thin Italian sausage? ›

Chipolatas are often prepared as a relatively thin and short sausage. Chipolatas are typically made from coarse-ground pork seasoned with salt and pepper together with herbs and spices—according to the particular recipe—such as sage, thyme, pimento, or nutmeg.

Why do Italians love fennel? ›

For example, Italians often eat fennel raw at the end of a meal, saying it helps with digestion and cleansing.

Why do they put fennel seeds in sausage? ›

Fennel is a key ingredient in sausage due to its unique flavor profile that perfectly complements the rich taste of the meat. The sweet, slightly licorice-like taste of fennel adds depth and complexity, enhancing the overall flavor of the sausage.

What is salami with fennel called? ›

COLUMBUS® Finocchiona Salami

As old Italian folklore goes, a thief walking through a fair in Prato, Tuscany stole a stick of salame from a merchant and hid it in a field of wild fennel. When he returned, it had absorbed the distinct sweet flavor and aroma of the fennel and Finocchiona was born.

What is in Jimmy Dean Italian sausage? ›

INGREDIENTS. Pork, Water, Contains 2% Or Less: Corn Syrup, Salt, Natural Flavor, Vinegar, Sugar, Sea Salt, Paprika, Pork Broth.

Why does Italian sausage smell like licorice? ›

The main difference in Italian sausage when compared to other sausages is the seasoning. The particular ingredient that usually sets Italian sausage apart is fennel. This is a licorice scented herb that gives Italian sausage its unique taste that is different than other types of sausage.

Can you buy Italian sausage without fennel? ›

Sweet Italian Sausage - NO Fennel (Luganica Style) | Esposito's Finest Quality Sausage. Please enable JavaScript in your browser for better use of the website! ** Free shipping anywhere in the continental U.S.

What is Italian sausage also known as? ›

In North America, Italian sausage (Italian: salsiccia, Italian: [salˈsittʃa]) most often refers to a style of pork sausage. The sausage is often noted for being seasoned with fennel or anise as the primary seasoning.

What is real Italian sausage? ›

Italian sausage is ground pork often flavored with garlic and fennel seed. It comes in two different styles, sweet or hot. Hot Italian sausage usually is flavored with spicy red pepper, while the sweet version has no pepper in it.

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