Moroccan Merguez Sausage Recipes

MOROCCAN MERGUEZ SAUSAGE

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine all ingredients except sausage casings (if using) in a large bowl.
• Knead the mixture well to evenly distribute the spices, herbs, and harissa.
• Shape as desired.
• Alternatively, you can pass the ingredients through a meat grinder and feed the merguez mixture into sausage casings.
• For the best flavor, allow the merguez to sit for 30 minutes or longer in the refrigerator before cooking.
• Place on grill or under broiler until cooked through and meat registers temperature of 155 F with meat thermometer.

MOROCCAN MERGUEZ STUFFING

Steps:

• For the sausage: Place the lamb, harissa, ginger, coriander, salt, cinnamon, pepper, sumac, turmeric and garlic in the bowl of a stand mixer. Mix on medium speed for 2 minutes, then turn out onto a sheet of plastic wrap and form into a small, dense log. Wrap well and refrigerate for at least 24 or up to 72 hours.
• For the stuffing: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Grease a large casserole dish (such as a 9-by-13-inch or equivalent oval) with olive oil; set aside. Put the bread cubes in a very large bowl.
• Place a large saute pan over high heat. Break the sausage meat into marble-sized pieces and brown on all sides in batches; remove and add to the bowl, letting the bread soak up any grease.
• Once all the sausage is browned, reduce heat to medium-high (do not drain the grease from the pan). Add the sweet potatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until they begin to brown, 4 minutes. Add the onions and peppers and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, another 4 minutes, then add garlic and walnuts, if using, and cook until fragrant, about 3 minutes. Pour the vegetables on top of the bread and sausage.
• Whisk the eggs and turkey stock together in a large bowl, then add the turmeric, coriander, paprika, salt, cayenne, if using, cinnamon, cumin, ginger, black pepper and 2 tablespoons of harissa. Pour half evenly over the stuffing mixture and toss well; when all the liquid has been absorbed, add the chopped parsley and remaining stock and continue tossing until well combined. Taste for seasoning, adding more harissa and spices as you'd like.
• Pour the stuffing into the prepared casserole dish, spreading out evenly, then cover with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake until brown on top, an additional 10 minutes. Allow to rest for 10 minutes, then serve warm.

TAGINE OF LAMB & MERGUEZ SAUSAGES

Steps:

• For the marinade, roast the spices in a dry pan for a couple mins until fragrant. Put remaining marinade ingredients in a blender and process to a smooth paste, then add the roast spices and blend again to combine. Place the lamb in a large bowl and pour over the marinade. Leave in the paste overnight, or for at least 2 hrs to absorb all the flavours.
• Heat oven to 160C/140C fan/gas 3. In a large roasting tin, big enough to fit the meat in one single layer, heat the oil and place over a high heat on the hob. Remove the meat from the marinade, wiping off and reserving any excess, then brown shanks on all sides in the hot oil.
• Add remaining marinade to the dish along with the carrots, onions and prunes, then pour in 1 litre water. Cover the dish tightly with foil and cook in a low oven for 3½-4 hrs until the meat is tender and falling away from the bone. Add the honey, lemon juice and seasoning and keep warm.
• If using, fry the sausages until cooked through, then add to the tagine. Serve the meat in a large bowl with the sauce spooned over, then scatter with the preserved lemons and mint, and serve the harissa on the side.

GRILLED MERGUEZ WITH HERBED COUSCOUS

Steps:

• Place couscous, oil, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Add 3 cups boiling water, cover with plastic, and let stand 5 minutes. Remove plastic, fluff couscous with a fork, and let cool 15 minutes. Add chopped herbs, tossing to combine; season with salt and pepper. Transfer to a platter.
• Preheat grill for direct-heat cooking (medium-high on a gas grill). Brush grates with oil. Grill sausages, turning occasionally, until cooked through, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer to platter with couscous. Drizzle with oil and scatter with herb leaves; serve.

MERGUEZ

Steps:

• Combine all ingredients except casings and olive oil in a mixing bowl and mix well with your hands.Fry a small amount as a test and adjust seasonings to taste. It should be somewhat hot and the cinnamon should be balanced by the herbs.
• Using the sausage stuffing attachment of a stand mixer, stuff the casings with the mixture and twist and tie to make 4-inch links. Alternatively, shape into 3-inch lozenges, slightly fatter in the middle, formed around metal skewers, or simply into small patties.
• Heat the grill or broiler. If the sausages are in casings, prick them with a fork 2 to 3 times and brush with oil. Grill or broil them 3-4 minutes each side until cooked through. For lozenges or patties, brush with a little oil and grill about 3 minutes each side, or saute the patties in a little oil over high heat.