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The African Gourmet

The African Gourmet: Explore African Culture & Recipes

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Boerewors vs Sausages Meaty Showdown

Comparing Southern African boerewors and USA sausages taste and a recipe for meat lovers. 

If you love sausages, you will love boerewors. It is a type of encased meat product that originated in South Africa and is popular across Southern Africa. Boerewors is not just any meat, it has a unique flavor and texture that sets it apart from other sausages around the world. Today we will compare boerewors with sausages from the United States and see what makes them different but the same.

Boerewors

Boerewors is an Afrikaans word that means farmer's sausage. It is made from coarsely ground beef, pork, or lamb, mixed with spices such as coriander, allspice, nutmeg, cloves, and black pepper. 

The meat mixture is stuffed into hog casings and shaped into a continuous spiral that can be up to a foot in diameter. Boerewors is usually cooked on a grill or a barbecue and served with a cornmeal porridge called pap or a tomato and onion relish. Boerewors are also eaten as a snack or a sandwich, similar to a hot dog.

Sausages from the United States of America are more diverse and varied than boerewors. They can be made from different types of meat, such as beef, pork, chicken, turkey, or even seafood. They can also have different seasonings, such as garlic, sage, fennel, paprika, cumin, or cheese. 

Some common types of sausages from the USA are breakfast sausage, Italian sausage, Polish sausage, bratwurst, chorizo, andouille, and kielbasa. Sausages from the USA are usually cooked by frying, baking, boiling, or grilling and served with various sauces, bread, vegetables, or salads.

One of the main differences between boerewors and sausages from the USA is the texture. Boerewors have a crumbly and coarse texture due to the large chunks of meat and fat in the sausage. Sausages from the USA have a smoother and finer texture due to the finer grinding of the meat and the addition of fillers or binders such as breadcrumbs or eggs. 

Another difference is the flavor. Boerewors have a distinctive flavor that comes from the coriander and vinegar in the spice mix. Sausages from the USA have more varied flavors depending on the type of meat and seasonings used.

Boerewors and sausages are a meat lovers dream to eat in recipes sandwiches or on their own. 

Both boerewors and sausages are delicious and satisfying foods that are enjoyed in many ways. They are both part of the culinary heritage and culture of their countries and regions. Whether you prefer boerewors or sausages you can always try something new and expand your palate by tasting different kinds of sausages from around the world.

Boerewors is a traditional South African sausage that is often enjoyed as a staple at barbecues and social gatherings. It is made from coarsely ground beef, pork, or lamb mixed with a blend of spices like coriander, cloves, and nutmeg. The sausage is typically formed into long, thick coils and grilled or cooked over an open flame. Boerewors is known for its robust flavor and juicy texture.

Similarly, the sausage is a popular food item in the United States, with various regional variations and flavors. It is typically made from ground meat, such as pork, beef, or a combination, mixed with spices, herbs, and sometimes additional ingredients like cheese or vegetables. Sausages in the United States are often grilled, pan-fried, or smoked. 

Boerewors and sausages are similar in some ways, but different in others. They both reflect the culture and history of their origin countries. They both offer a variety of tastes and textures for meat lovers. They both can be enjoyed on a sunny day with friends and family. Both boerewors and sausage are versatile and delicious meat products that can be enjoyed on their own, in sandwiches, or as a part of other recipe dishes.  

Homemade breakfast Boerewors sausage patties.

Homemade breakfast Boerewors sausage patties are easy to make. In South Africa, Boerewors are traditionally cooked over coals as part of a barbecue, or fried in a pan on the stove inside casings to make link sausages. Today we are making Boerewors sausage patties instead of links.

It is essential to know the difference between minced meat and ground meat when making South African Boerewors. Boerewors uses minced meat and not ground meat. Minced meat is meat that is chopped up very finely; ground meat is more pulverized since it is put through a meat grinder possibly with other fillers such as fat, soybeans, and water to bulk the ground meat up.

The word Boerewors is literally translated to farmer’s sausage in the Dutch Afrikaans language and is a traditional South African sausage. The spice coriander and cloves define Boerewors' taste. Serve in between two slices of bread, mushrooms, tomatoes, cheese, and eggs for the ultimate Boerewors breakfast sandwich.

Boerewors Sausage Patty Sandwich
Boerewors Sausage Patty Sandwich

Breakfast Boerewors sausage patties ingredients and directions.

Ingredients.

1/2 pound minced beef.

1/2 pound minced pork.

1/4 cup white vinegar.

1 tablespoon ground coriander.

1 1/2 teaspoons coarse salt.

1/2 teaspoon ground cloves.

1/4 teaspoon allspice.

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper.

1 1/2 teaspoons coarse salt.

2 large chicken eggs.

2 teaspoons vegetable oil.


Directions.

Mix together the beef, pork, and spices in a large bowl. Add the egg white and combine thoroughly. Cover and chill for at least 15 minutes.

Divide the Boerewors mixture into eighths and shape each portion into a 2 1/2-inch disk.

Heat a skillet over high heat with the oil. Fry the Boerewors on both sides until completely cooked through and golden brown, about 4 minutes per side. 

Drain and serve in between two slices of bread, mushrooms, tomatoes, cheese and eggs for the ultimate Boerewors breakfast sandwich.

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