What is the Boerewors?
Boerewors is a traditional South African sausage made with beef and a blend of spices. The name "Boerewors" comes from Afrikaans, meaning "farmer's sausage." It is a popular dish in South Africa, particularly during outdoor gatherings such as braais (barbecues) and sporting events.
The sausage has a unique flavor profile that comes from the blend of spices used in the recipe. The spices typically include coriander, cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, thyme, nutmeg, and allspice. The meat used to make Boerewors is usually a combination of beef mince and beef fat, but some recipes call for pork or lamb. The sausage is typically stuffed into pork casings and then grilled or braaied until cooked through.
Boerewors is often served sliced into portions and paired with side dishes like grilled vegetables, potato salad, and bread. It is also commonly served with a tomato and onion relish or chakalaka, a spicy vegetable relish. The sausage is a staple of South African cuisine and is enjoyed by people of all ages.
How to Make South Africa Boerewors
Ingredients:
- 2.5 kg beef mince, medium ground
- 700 g beef fat, chilled in the fridge
- 100 ml red wine vinegar
- 50 ml Worcestershire sauce
- 50 ml brandy
- 2 tbsp ground coriander
- 2 tbsp ground cumin
- 2 tbsp paprika
- 2 tbsp salt
- 1 tbsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp allspice
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- pork sausage casings
Instructions:
1. Chill the beef mince and beef fat in the fridge for at least an hour to make the mixing process easier.
2. Once chilled, combine the red wine vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, brandy, coriander, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, thyme, nutmeg, allspice, and garlic in a large mixing bowl. Use a whisk to combine the ingredients well.
3. Add the chilled mince and fat, and mix the spice mixture with your hands until it is well combined. This is best done wearing plastic gloves to keep your hands clean.
4. Once the mixture is well combined, put it through a meat grinder, using a coarse die, and then stuff it into pork sausage casings. Before you begin stuffing, be sure to soak the casings in cold water for at least 30 minutes to soften them. If you're not familiar with how to stuff sausage casings, there are plenty of YouTube tutorials you can watch to help you see how it's done.
5. Twist the casings every 10cm to make individual sausage links. Be sure to twist the casing tightly to keep the filling from leaking out. If you don't have a sausage stuffer, you can form patties instead. Flatten the mixture into large rounds and then score them into individual portions.
6. Store the sausages in the fridge for at least 12 hours to let the flavors develop. You can also freeze the sausages at this point. They should keep in the freezer for up to three months.
7. To cook, heat up your braai or grill to medium-high heat. Brush the sausage links lightly with oil or butter to prevent sticking. Grill the sausages for about 10-15 minutes on each side, or until nicely browned. The internal temperature of the sausages should register at least 68°C when checked with a meat thermometer.
8. Once cooked, remove the Boerewors sausages from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. They're particularly delicious served hot, sliced, and topped with a traditional tomato and onion relish or chakalaka with a side of fresh salad.
Enjoy!
Variations of Boerewors
While the traditional Boerewors recipe calls for beef, spices, and pork casings, there are several variations of the recipe that you can try:
1. Wild Boar Boerewors: Instead of beef, you can use wild boar meat to make the sausage. This gives the Boerewors a unique gamey flavor that is different from the traditional recipe.
2. Lamb Boerewors: Lamb meat is another popular ingredient that can be used for making Boerewors. This variation is typically milder in flavor and has a slightly different texture compared to beef.
3. Venison Boerewors: Venison, or deer meat, is also a great option for making Boerewors. The meat has a rich and savory flavor that goes perfectly with the blend of spices used in traditional Boerewors recipe.
4. Vegetarian Boerewors: For those who prefer a plant-based diet, a vegetarian version of Boerewors can be made using soy or textured vegetable protein (TVP) as a meat substitute. The traditional blend of spices used in the recipe can be used to flavor the TVP.
5. Spicy Boerewors: If you like your food with some heat, you can add extra chili pepper or cayenne pepper to the spice blend to make the sausage recipe spicier.
No matter which variation you choose, the preparation and cooking method for Boerewors generally remains the same.
Healthy Benefits of Boerewors
Boerewors, like most sausages, is not typically considered to be a health food. However, it does contain some nutrients and can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Here are a few potential health benefits of Boerewors:
1. Protein: Boerewors is a good source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body. Protein also helps keep you feeling full and satisfied, which can aid in weight management.
2. Iron: Beef, one of the primary ingredients in Boerewors, is an excellent source of iron. Iron is important for the production of red blood cells and oxygen transport in the body.
3. Vitamin B12: Another nutrient found in beef is vitamin B12. This vitamin is essential for the proper functioning of the nervous system and the creation of DNA.
Keep in mind that Boerewors is also high in fat and sodium, which can contribute to heart disease and other health problems if consumed in excess. It's best to enjoy Boerewors in moderation, along with other healthier protein sources such as fish, legumes, and lean meats.
.jpg)
.jpeg)
0 Comments