Karnacheta - Bulgarian Grilled Sausages

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) ground pork 500g (1.1 lb) ground pork
• 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Natural sausage casings Natural sausage casings

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 35g, 12g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 2g, 0g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 0g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, ground beef, minced garlic, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. 2.
   Soak the natural sausage casings in cold water for about 30 minutes to soften them.
3. 3.
   Attach a sausage stuffer to a sausage casing and fill it with the meat mixture, ensuring there are no air pockets. Twist the sausages into 4-5 inch links and tie off the ends.
4. 4.
   Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Place the sausages on the grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are browned and cooked through.
5. 5.
   Remove the sausages from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
6. 6.
   Serve the Karnacheta hot with a side of fresh salad or pickled vegetables.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground pork and beef — Ensure that the meat is well-ground and evenly mixed to achieve a consistent texture in the sausages.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add a pinch of chili flakes to the meat mixture.
• Soaking the sausage casings in cold water helps to make them more pliable and easier to work with.
• Serve the Karnacheta with a dollop of Bulgarian yogurt for a creamy and tangy accompaniment.
• If you don't have a grill, you can also cook the sausages in a skillet over medium heat until browned and cooked through.
• Experiment with different spice combinations to customize the flavor of the sausages to your liking.

Serving advice

Serve the grilled Karnacheta sausages hot, either as a main course or as part of a barbecue spread. Accompany them with a side of fresh salad, pickled vegetables, and crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the grilled sausages on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs such as parsley or dill for a pop of color. Serve them alongside the suggested side dishes and condiments to create an inviting and appetizing presentation.