The Ultimate Guide to Sausages: From Bratwurst to Chorizo and Beyond

Chris Martin
4 min readMar 31, 2023

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Photo by Hasmik Ghazaryan Olson on Unsplash

A Dinner Party with a Twist
Imagine hosting a dinner party that promises to be a delightful culinary experience. The main course? Sausages! This versatile and delicious food, with its countless varieties and flavors, is sure to impress your guests.

Fun Fact: Did you know that there are over 1,200 varieties of sausages worldwide?

Who Am I

I’m Commis Chef Chris and I’ve been in the culinary industry for 18 years spending the last 6 of them primarily as a personal Chef.

I’ve spent time cooking for many people in the community from the hardworking mom & dad of 5 to the local star of the NFL to a Fire Chief that might live right around your corner.

A World of Flavors: Exploring Sausage Varieties

Photo by Jack Hunter on Unsplash

Sausages come in various flavors and textures, making them a favorite across the globe. Let’s explore some of the most popular varieties:

  • Bratwurst (Germany): A fresh sausage made with pork, seasoned with spices like nutmeg, coriander, and caraway seeds.
  • Chorizo (Spain): A spicy, fermented sausage made from pork, flavored with paprika and garlic.
  • Kielbasa (Poland): Smoked sausage made from pork or a combination of meats, seasoned with garlic, marjoram, and black pepper.
  • Andouille (France): A smoked sausage made from pork, seasoned with garlic, wine, and various spices.
  • Italian sausage (Italy): Fresh sausage made from pork, seasoned with fennel seeds and red pepper flakes. Comes in sweet and spicy varieties.

Bonus Varieties:

  • Boerewors (South Africa): A fresh sausage made from beef and pork, seasoned with spices like coriander, cloves, and nutmeg.
  • Merguez (North Africa): A spicy sausage made from lamb or beef, flavored with harissa and cumin.
  • Longganisa (Philippines): A sweet or savory sausage made from pork, seasoned with garlic, sugar, and vinegar.

Preparing Sausages

There are three popular ways to cook sausages:

  • Grilling
  • Pan-frying
Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash
  • Roasting

Recipe: Personal Chef’s Savory Sausage and Peppers

This is almost exactly how my mom did it for me while I was growing up. Every so often I still come back to exactly this. I hope you enjoy it as much as I always have.

Ingredients:

  • 6 Italian sausages
  • 2 bell peppers (sliced)
  • 1 large onion (sliced)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the grill to medium heat.
  2. Grill sausages for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through.
  3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  4. Add bell peppers, onions, and garlic, and cook for 5-7 minutes or until softened.
  5. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Add grilled sausages to the skillet and toss with vegetables.
  7. Top with chopped basil and serve immediately atop a plate of rice.

Perfect Pairings: Sausage Companions

Sausages are known to pair well with:

Conclusion: Sausage Savvy

Sausages are delicious and versatile food that can elevate any gathering to a memorable feast.

Want to delegate away the responsibility to delight your guests with mouthwatering flavors?

Consider hiring a personal chef for your next dinner party. Their culinary expertise will ensure your event is a success, and you can relax and enjoy your time with your loved ones.

So why not explore the world of sausages and elevate your next gathering? Whether you decide to try your hand at cooking them yourself or hire a personal chef to create a custom meal tailored to your guests' preferences, there's no doubt that sausages can make any event more delicious and memorable.

Visit our website to learn more about our private chef services and how we can help you create an unforgettable culinary experience!

If you enjoy the article, I would really appreciate it if you could leave a comment or share it with your friends & family. I love sharing my knowledge on the culinary arts and your support is what makes it possible for us to learn and grow together. Whether you’ve been following my journey the last 18 years or you’re just joining the ride, thank you so much for empowering me to follow my passion, you are appreciated.

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Chris Martin

A Chef of 18 years using his knowledge and expertise to connect Chefs & foodies to create a great experience by making ordering a Chef as easy as a pizza.