Ingredients

1 tablespoon coriander seed , dry toasted
1 tablespoon cumin seed , dry toasted
1 tablespoon anise seed , dry toasted ( or fennel seed , in a pinch )
1 tablespoon cinnamon , preferably Ceylon
1/2 - 1 teaspoon cayenne , depending on the heat level of the harissa used in the sausage
2 teaspoons turmeric
1 lb fresh ground lamb shoulder
2 garlic cloves , minced fine
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1 tablespoon mixed spice
2 tablespoons harissa
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1/2 teaspoon salt , to taste
ice water , as needed
Merguez sausage originated in North Africa, and is now popular in many Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines. The sausage is made with lamb, or a mixture of lamb and beef, and is highly spiced with a blend of savory and sweet spices. This recipe uses a homemade spice blend featuring coriander, cumin, anise, and cinnamon, along with harissa, a North African hot sauce made from chili peppers, and fresh ginger and garlic. The resulting sausage is spicy, fragrant, and bursting with flavor, making it the perfect addition to any meal.

Instructions

1.In a small pan, toast coriander, cumin, anise, and cinnamon over medium heat until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool.
2.Once cooled, grind spices to a powder in a spice grinder or mortar and pestle.
3.In a mixing bowl, combine the ground lamb, garlic, ginger, harissa, tomato paste, salt, mixed spice, and ground toasted spices. Mix well until the spices are evenly distributed.
4.Add ice water to the mixture, about 1/4 cup at a time, until the mixture is smooth and pliable.
5.Shape the sausage mixture into 4-inch links. Can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months before cooking.
6.To cook, heat a grill or grill pan to medium heat. Grill sausage links for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until fully cooked.

PROS

Lamb Merguez sausage is a rich, aromatic sausage with a unique flavor profile that pairs well with a variety of dishes, from couscous to pita bread sandwiches.
This sausage is perfect for adding a spicy, Mediterranean flare to your meals, and is easy to make from scratch.

CONS

While lamb Merguez sausage is flavorful and packed with protein, it is high in fat and should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Those with a sensitivity to spicy foods may also want to avoid this recipe or adjust the amount of cayenne used.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Lamb Merguez sausage contains a good amount of protein, and may contribute to muscle growth and repair. The spices used in this recipe, including coriander, cumin, and anise, have been linked to aiding in digestion and reducing inflammation. However, the high fat content of this dish means it should be enjoyed in moderation.

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