Italian Fennel Sausage Recipe (2024)

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Cooking Notes

Klkruger

It's not too much salt if you're using Diamond Crystal. Not at all. If using Morton kosher use 1.5 teaspoon; use 1 teaspoon table salt. Rather than frying up a bit to test seasoning just stick a rounded teaspoon in a little bowl and microwave for 30 seconds or so, till just cooked through. Taste then adjust seasoning, if necessary, in the remaining mix before forming patties.

Carrie

I used Mortons kosher salt, and 2 tsp was too much. If you use Morton's, I recommend cutting back on the salt. My fault, the recipe specifies Diamond. I used turkey, and added about a tablespoon and a half of bacon fat. Turned out great.

Dave Kaye

I make the patties using a $1 circular cookie mold. Only fill it up about halfway or the patties will be too thick.

Nora Esthimer

Hi, Jim. Did you add fat to the ground turkey? If so, what and how much? Thanks!

Occupy Government

This is easy. Grind your own pork stew meat or butt, and feel free to add garlic and onion powder, paprika and herbs (thyme, oregano, marjoram). Add anise instead of or in addition to the fennel. It's best if you let it suppurate overnight. It freezes, well-wrapped, for weeks.

Katherine

For a guest who eats neither pork nor poultry, I made this with grass-fed beef but otherwise as written. Both she and I were wowed.

Carrie

I used Mortons kosher salt, and 2 tsp was too much. If you use Morton's, I recommend cutting back on the salt. My fault, the recipe specifies Diamond. I used turkey, and added about a tablespoon and a half of bacon fat. Turned out great.

Heidi

Delicious but a bit too salty. Next time I would cut the salt by half.

Dave Kaye

I make the patties using a $1 circular cookie mold. Only fill it up about halfway or the patties will be too thick.

Dave Kaye

Does this have to rest in the fridge as patties? Any reason this can't be just left in a bowl and turned into patties after 30 minutes? Does the heat of the hands affect things?

Klkruger

It's not too much salt if you're using Diamond Crystal. Not at all. If using Morton kosher use 1.5 teaspoon; use 1 teaspoon table salt. Rather than frying up a bit to test seasoning just stick a rounded teaspoon in a little bowl and microwave for 30 seconds or so, till just cooked through. Taste then adjust seasoning, if necessary, in the remaining mix before forming patties.

Gloucester

delicious! next time, I'll adjust the salt for my intended purpose. for more sparing use in pasta/pizza the 2 tsp of Diamond kosher salt is good; I would reduce the salt to about 1 tsp if I want the sausage to anchor a meal.

Eric W

Too much salt..... 1 t rather than 2t

Linda

Delicious and better than the grocery sausage by far. Make sure you have the suggested fat content in the ground pork. I guess mine was too lean, so patties were a bit dry, although still yummy!

Laura West

Make this simple fennel-scented sausage to toss into pasta or onto pizza. Par-cook large crumbles to fold into Thanksgiving stuffing or a pot of soup. Or

jim b

I used ground turkey instead of pork, and it came out great.

Nora Esthimer

Hi, Jim. Did you add fat to the ground turkey? If so, what and how much? Thanks!

Joan

Wondering what to serve this with?

Occupy Government

This is easy. Grind your own pork stew meat or butt, and feel free to add garlic and onion powder, paprika and herbs (thyme, oregano, marjoram). Add anise instead of or in addition to the fennel. It's best if you let it suppurate overnight. It freezes, well-wrapped, for weeks.

Frank

I'm sure you didn't mean suppurate.

Cedarglen

See my notes for the breakfast sausage as most apply here as well. This fennel sausage is wonderful and has so many uses! Cannot mark either one as 'cooked' as my sausage is close, but not close enough. Fun project!!

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Italian Fennel Sausage Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Is fennel sausage the same as Italian sausage? ›

Fennel is the spice that gives Italian sausage its Italian flavor. Often the fennel is a mixture of whole or cracked fennel seed and ground fennel. The whole or cracked fennel seed will help to give good visibility to the spice while the ground fennel will contribute a very distinctive fennel flavor.

What does fennel taste like in sausage? ›

The natural sweetness and slight licorice-like flavor of fennel contrast and complement the savory, often spicy notes of sausage. Whether used as whole seeds, ground, or sautéed bulb, fennel adds a distinct element to sausage dishes.

What is Sicilian fennel sausage? ›

Sicilian sausages are thin and made from coarsely chopped pork and fennel seeds (I love the taste of fennel, it is pure Sicily).

What distinctive herb is critical to make Italian sausage? ›

Italian sausage has many herbs and spices, but fennel seed is what gives it its distinct flavor. Don't skip it. I buy whole fennel seed and crush it slightly when making this seasoning mix.

Why do they put fennel in sausage? ›

The red pepper flakes are what give the spicy varieties of Italian sausage their signature kick, while fennel is the hallmark flavor that makes it distinct from other kinds of sausage.

What brand of Italian sausage has fennel? ›

Rinaldi Fennel Sausage, commonly referred to as sweet Italian, is your traditional Italian sausage. The notes of anise derive from the use of ground fennel seed mixed with just the right amount of salt and pepper to achieve the traditional flavors of southern Italy.

What are the side effects of fennel? ›

Side effects of Fennel include:
  • difficulty breathing.
  • tightness of chest/throat.
  • chest pain.
  • nausea.
  • vomiting.
  • hives.
  • rash.
  • itchy or swollen skin.

Why do Italians eat fennel? ›

For example, Italians often eat fennel raw at the end of a meal, saying it helps with digestion and cleansing. If you do a quick search, you'll find that Fennel Bulbs are an impressive source of dietary fiber, which we all know is amazing for digestion and gut health!

What meat does fennel pair with? ›

Meat: Fennel pairs well with meats such as pork, sausage, and chicken. Seafood: Fennel pairs well with seafood such as salmon, cod, and shrimp. Spices: Fennel pairs well with spices such as black pepper, cumin, and coriander.

What is salami with fennel called? ›

Origins. Finocchiona originated in the Renaissance, and possibly even before, in the Late Middle Ages. The use of fennel was an alternative to pepper (a key ingredient of the standard salami), which was very expensive at the time, while fennel grew wild and abundant in the Tuscan countryside.

Does Bob Evans Italian sausage have fennel in it? ›

Our high-quality Italian Sausage is made with premium cuts of pork. With Fennel seed and rich spices, it will add the flavor of the old country to all of your favorite dishes.

What is Italian sausage called in Italy? ›

Salsiccia

What is in Jimmy Dean Italian sausage? ›

INGREDIENTS. Pork, Water, Contains 2% Or Less: Corn Syrup, Salt, Natural Flavor, Vinegar, Sugar, Sea Salt, Paprika, Pork Broth.

Why does Italian sausage smell like licorice? ›

The main difference in Italian sausage when compared to other sausages is the seasoning. The particular ingredient that usually sets Italian sausage apart is fennel. This is a licorice scented herb that gives Italian sausage its unique taste that is different than other types of sausage.

Is fennel or anise better for Italian sausage? ›

What types of seeds should be used to prepare Italian sausages? - Quora. Fennel seed is by far the most important. They provide that great gentle anise flavor that makes Italian sausage so special.

What is another name for Italian sausage? ›

Tuscan pig being butchered in Cetona, the meat soon to be made into various sausages and other cured meat. Sausage in Italian is salsiccia, pronounced sahl-seech-chah. Listen to the pronunciation of salsiccia: Dried sausage in Italian is salsiccia secca, pronounced sahl-seech-chah sehk-kah.

What sausage is similar to Italian sausage? ›

Best Italian Sausage Substitutes: A Quick Look
Italian Sausage SubstituteFlavor Profile
Chicken SausageHerbaceous with a mild flavor, lighter than pork
Turkey SausageLean, slightly gamey
BratwurstSavory and herbaceous
SoppressataBold, rich flavor with sweet, spicy, or salty varieties
8 more rows
Nov 5, 2023

Can you buy Italian sausage without fennel? ›

Satisfy your cravings with Caputo's Italian Sausage Without Fennel, a meat lover's dream. Made from high-quality pork, this sausage is expertly crafted without any fennel for those who prefer a milder taste.

What is Italian sausage also known as? ›

Mortadella – Large Italian (pork) sausage. 'Nduja – Italian spicy, spreadable sausage made with pork. Salami – Cured sausage, fermented and air-dried meat. Soppressata – Italian dry salami (sausage) Sopressa – Italian sausage.

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