Sausage making is an age-old tradition that many cultures have perfected over the centuries. While there are countless variations, nothing quite compares to homemade sausage. Whether you’re preparing for a family dinner or hosting a weekend BBQ, making sausage from scratch allows you to control the flavors, texture, and ingredients, ensuring the end result is nothing short of delicious. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through a simple yet delicious recipe for mild sausage with Leggs seasoning mix. By the end of this article, you’ll have all the tools and knowledge you need to craft perfect sausages that are bursting with flavor.
Why Choose Leggs Seasoning Mix for Mild Sausage?
When it comes to making mild sausage, the seasoning is the star of the show. Leggs seasoning mix is a go-to choice for many sausage enthusiasts. Why? It’s simple. Leggs strikes the perfect balance between savory and mild, creating a sausage flavor that isn’t overpowering.
Leggs seasoning mix is designed to enhance the natural flavors of the meat without adding too much heat. The mild flavor profile of this seasoning blend is perfect for people who enjoy sausages with rich, savory flavors, but without the overwhelming spice found in some other blends. So, whether you’re a novice sausage maker or a seasoned pro, Leggs seasoning mix guarantees consistently excellent results every time.
Moreover, Leggs seasoning mix is incredibly easy to use. With pre-measured spices and a perfect balance of herbs and seasonings, you won’t need to worry about measuring and mixing ingredients yourself. This convenience makes it an excellent choice for anyone looking to make delicious sausage without the hassle.
Ingredients for Mild Sausage with Leggs Seasoning Mix
To start our sausage-making journey, it’s essential to gather the right ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make the perfect mild sausage with Leggs seasoning mix:
1. Ground Meat (4 pounds)
- Pork is the traditional meat used in mild sausage recipes due to its fat content, which gives the sausages a juicy and flavorful texture. A 70% lean to 30% fat ratio is ideal for moist and tender sausages. If you prefer, you can use beef, venison, or even chicken, but pork remains the most popular choice.
2. Leggs Seasoning Mix (1 packet)
- The Leggs seasoning mix is the magic ingredient. Designed specifically for creating a mild sausage, this blend brings together a perfect combination of spices that complements the flavor of the meat without overwhelming it.
3. Cold Water (1/4 cup per pound of meat)
- The addition of cold water helps bind the mixture together, ensuring that the sausage has a smooth texture and holds together while cooking. Water also helps distribute the seasoning evenly throughout the meat.
4. Sausage Casings
- Natural hog casings are often preferred because they provide a traditional “snap” when bitten into. However, synthetic casings can also be used for a more uniform texture and ease of use. Whichever type you choose, casings are necessary to form the sausage links.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Mild Sausage
Making your own mild sausage with Leggs seasoning mix may seem daunting at first, but it’s actually a straightforward process. With the right ingredients and a little patience, you’ll be able to create delicious sausages that will impress your family and friends. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be on your way to sausage perfection.
Step 1: Choose the Right Meat
Selecting the right meat is crucial for making mild sausage. Pork is the ideal choice because it offers the right amount of fat to keep the sausage moist and flavorful. The fat is key to achieving that juicy, tender sausage texture that everyone loves.
As mentioned, a 70% lean to 30% fat ratio is perfect for mild sausage. If you prefer to mix meats, beef or venison can be added, but be cautious not to stray too far from the ideal fat-to-lean ratio.
Step 2: Grind the Meat
Once you’ve selected your meat, it’s time to grind it. If you have a meat grinder, use it to grind the meat twice. The first grind should be with a coarse plate, followed by a finer grind for a smoother texture. The finer grind helps the seasoning mix to blend more evenly throughout the sausage.
If you don’t have a grinder, you can ask your local butcher to grind the meat for you. Just ensure you request the appropriate grind for sausage-making.
Step 3: Mix the Meat and Leggs Seasoning Mix
Now comes the fun part—mixing the seasoning into the meat. Sprinkle the Leggs seasoning mix evenly over the ground meat and gently mix it in using your hands or a spoon. It’s important not to overwork the meat, as this can make the sausages tough. The goal is to evenly distribute the seasoning without overmixing.
Once the seasoning is mixed in, add cold water. The water helps the mixture come together, ensuring the sausages are juicy and smooth. Stir until the mixture is well combined.
Step 4: Stuff the Sausage Into Casings
Once the sausage mixture is prepared, it’s time to stuff it into casings. Slide the casings onto your sausage stuffer or funnel and begin filling them with the seasoned meat mixture. Be sure to pack the mixture firmly but not too tightly to avoid air pockets, which can affect the texture of the sausages.
Once the casings are filled, twist them into 6-8 inch links. Use butcher’s twine to tie the ends of each link, ensuring that they stay securely packed during cooking.
Step 5: Tie and Link the Sausages
After filling the casings, twist each sausage into individual links. This step ensures that the sausages hold their shape while cooking. Use butcher’s twine to secure the ends of the casings, and twist the sausages at intervals to form evenly sized links.
Step 6: Cook or Store the Sausages
Now that your sausages are prepared, you can either cook them immediately or store them for later use. If you’re cooking them right away, you can grill, pan-fry, or bake them.
To store the sausages for later, wrap each sausage individually in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. You can store them in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze them for up to 3 months.
Notes and Additional Tips for Making the Best Mild Sausage
Here are a few additional tips to ensure your mild sausage with Leggs seasoning mix turns out perfectly every time:
- Fat Content is Key: The fat content in the meat is what gives the sausage its juiciness. Be sure to use a 70/30 ratio of lean meat to fat for the best results.
- Don’t Overmix the Meat: Overmixing the sausage mixture can make the sausages tough. Mix just enough to incorporate the seasoning and water.
- Rest the Sausage Mixture: Let the sausage mixture rest in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes the sausages easier to stuff.
- Use Natural Hog Casings: While synthetic casings are easier to use, natural hog casings provide a more traditional texture and snap when you bite into the sausage.
- Freeze for Later: If you’ve made a large batch, you can freeze the sausages for future use. Just be sure to wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn.
Nutrition Facts for Mild Sausage with Leggs Seasoning Mix
Let’s take a look at the nutritional breakdown of your mild sausage with Leggs seasoning mix. The following values are based on a 4-ounce sausage link:
- Calories: 250-300 kcal
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
- Sodium: 700mg
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 14g
Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on the type of meat used and portion sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use Leggs seasoning mix for other types of sausages?
- Absolutely! Leggs seasoning mix is perfect for a variety of meats, including beef, venison, and chicken. However, it’s best suited for mild sausage, as it imparts a subtle, savory flavor.
2. Can I make sausage patties instead of links?
- Yes, if you prefer sausage patties to links, simply form the sausage mixture into round patties and cook them in a skillet or on the grill.
3. How long should I cook mild sausages?
- Grilling or pan-frying should take about 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally. If baking, cook at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F.
4. Can I freeze the sausage mixture before stuffing it?
- Yes! You can freeze the sausage mixture before stuffing it. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container. Thaw it in the refrigerator before stuffing.
5. How should I store leftover sausages?
- After cooking, store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze them for up to 3 months. Be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic or aluminum foil.
Conclusion
Making mild sausage with Leggs seasoning mix is a satisfying and rewarding process. With just a few ingredients and a bit of patience, you can create a sausage that is juicy, flavorful, and loved by all. Whether you’re grilling, frying, or baking, these sausages will be a hit at any meal. Now that you’ve learned the ins and outs of mild sausage-making, it’s time to get started and enjoy the delicious fruits of your labor.