Lesotho-style Spiced Dried Sausage

Ingredients

In this Lesotho adaptation, we have incorporated traditional Lesotho spices to give the dried sausage a distinct flavor profile. The original South African droëwors recipe often includes spices like nutmeg and allspice, which we have replaced with Lesotho's signature spices such as coriander, cloves, and paprika. This adaptation aims to capture the essence of Lesotho's cuisine while still maintaining the deliciousness of the original dish. We alse have the original recipe for Droëwors, so you can check it out.

• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) beef, minced 1 kg (2.2 lbs) beef, minced
• 30 g (1 oz) salt 30 g (1 oz) salt
• 15 g (0.5 oz) coriander seeds, crushed 15 g (0.5 oz) coriander seeds, crushed
• 5 g (0.2 oz) cloves, ground 5 g (0.2 oz) cloves, ground
• 10 g (0.4 oz) paprika 10 g (0.4 oz) paprika
• 5 g (0.2 oz) black pepper, ground 5 g (0.2 oz) black pepper, ground
• 5 g (0.2 oz) garlic powder 5 g (0.2 oz) garlic powder
• 5 g (0.2 oz) brown sugar 5 g (0.2 oz) brown sugar
• Natural sausage casings Natural sausage casings

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 2g, 0g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 0g
• Salt: 5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the minced beef, salt, crushed coriander seeds, ground cloves, paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, and brown sugar. Mix well until all the spices are evenly distributed.
2. 2.
   Soak the natural sausage casings in water for about 30 minutes to soften them.
3. 3.
   Attach a sausage stuffer to a sausage casing and fill it with the spiced beef mixture. Twist the sausage into 10 cm (4 inch) links, ensuring they are tightly packed.
4. 4.
   Hang the sausages in a cool, dry place with good air circulation. Allow them to dry for 3-5 days, or until they have reached the desired texture. The sausages should be firm and dry to the touch.
5. 5.
   Once dried, the Lesotho-style Spiced Dried Sausage is ready to be enjoyed. Slice it into thin rounds and serve as a snack or use it in various dishes.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Beef — Use lean beef for a healthier option. Ensure the beef is minced finely for a smoother texture.

Tips & Tricks

• To enhance the flavors, you can add a dash of Worcestershire sauce or balsamic vinegar to the beef mixture.
• Adjust the amount of spices according to your preference for a milder or spicier sausage.
• Ensure the sausages are hung in a cool and dry place with good air circulation to prevent spoilage.

Serving advice

Serve the Lesotho-style Spiced Dried Sausage as a snack or appetizer. It pairs well with crusty bread, cheese, and pickles. You can also incorporate it into salads, stews, or pasta dishes for an added burst of flavor.

Presentation advice

Arrange the sliced Lesotho-style Spiced Dried Sausage on a wooden board or platter. Garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme for an appealing presentation.