Homemade Sausage Dish

Ingredients and Weight:

1. Pork shoulder meat - 2 pounds (900 grams)
2. Sausage seasoning mix - 2 packets (about 2 tablespoons)
3. Kosher salt - 1 teaspoon
4. Black pepper - ½ teaspoon
5. Sugar - 1 tablespoon
6. Cold water - ½ cup
7. Pork casing or small intestine - 8 units (for individual sausages)

Preparation Time:

• Preparation: 30 minutes
• Cooking: 45-60 minutes
• Total: About 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours

Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. In a large bowl, combine pork shoulder meat, sausage seasoning mix, kosher salt, black pepper, and sugar. Mix well.
2. Add cold water gradually while mixing to create a smooth and firm texture.
3. Prepare the pork casing or small intestine by cleaning and rinsing thoroughly.
4. Fill the casing with the meat mixture, using a sausage stuffer or carefully packing it in by hand.
5. Secure the ends of the sausage and place on a baking sheet lined with a rack or foil.
6. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
7. Bake the sausages for 45-60 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
8. Allow the sausages to cool slightly before serving.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: Approximately 400-500 per sausage (depending on the exact ingredients used)
• Protein: 25-30 grams per sausage
• Fat: 30-40 grams per sausage (most of it saturated from pork)
• Carbohydrates: Less than 5 grams per sausage (mainly from natural sugars in the meat)
• Other nutrients: Depending on the specific ingredients used, there may be other significant nutrients like iron, zinc, and selenium.

Dish Characteristics:

• Homemade and traditional flavor, perfect for an American palette.
• Sausage has a firm texture and is slightly spicy due to the seasoning mix.
• Can be served as a main dish or as part of a larger meal.
• Versatile dish that can be paired with various dishes and sauces.

User Comments:

1. "This homemade sausage is delicious! The flavor is so rich and authentic."
2. "The preparation was quite simple, and the result was impressive."
3. "I love how versatile this dish is; it can be served in so many different ways."
4. "The seasoning mix gives it a perfect balance of flavors."
5. "Great dish for a family gathering or a weekend meal."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Be sure to use fresh ingredients, especially the pork shoulder meat, to ensure the best flavor and texture.
• Clean and rinse the casing thoroughly to remove any impurities or residue.
• Adjust the seasoning mix according to personal preference.
• Do not overstuff the casing; this can cause the sausage to burst during baking.
• Use a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the sausage to ensure it is cooked through.