Merguez Sausages (3 Pcs) Recipe
House-made halal lamb merguez, grilled and served with warm bread — spiced, smoky, full of character
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Ingredients
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Merguez Sausage (makes 3 large sausages)
To Serve
Method
Merguez Sausage (makes 3 large sausages)
Prep casings
If using natural hog casings, rinse them under cool running water and soak in a bowl of warm water for 30 minutes. Flush the inside by running water through each casing until clear. If using pre-formed collagen casings, follow package instructions and keep them moist.
Toast and grind whole spices (optional)
If using whole fennel or coriander seeds, toast 1/2 tsp fennel seeds and 1 tsp coriander seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat, shaking frequently, for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Let cool, then grind finely in a spice grinder or mortar and pestle. If using pre-ground spices, skip this step.
Combine spices and aromatics
In a small bowl, mix minced garlic, harissa paste, sweet and smoked paprika, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground fennel, ground cinnamon, salt, black pepper and cayenne (if using). Stir in 2 tablespoons cold water to make a loose paste — this helps distribute the spices evenly through the meat.
Mix meat and spices
Place the ground lamb and chilled lamb fat in a large bowl. Add the spice paste. Using clean hands or a stand mixer with a paddle, mix until the mixture is uniformly colored and slightly sticky, about 2–3 minutes by hand or 1–2 minutes in a mixer. Do not overwork to keep the final texture tender.
Stuff sausages
Fit a sausage stuffer or funnel to a casing and feed the prepared casing onto the tube. Fill the casing with the meat mixture, applying gentle, even pressure to avoid air pockets. Make 3 sausages about 5–6 inches long, leaving small gaps at the ends. Twist between portions to separate sausages and prick any visible air bubbles with a sterile pin.
Rest
Refrigerate the stuffed sausages, covered, for at least 30 minutes and up to 2 hours to let flavors meld and the casings firm up for grilling.
Grill
Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high (about 400°F / 200°C). Brush sausages lightly with olive oil. Grill the sausages 8–12 minutes total, turning every 2–3 minutes so they brown evenly and reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Avoid high direct flames that char the exterior before cooking through; move to indirect heat if flare-ups occur.
To Serve