Cumberland Sausage Recipe: A Taste of Northern England

The Cumberland sausage, a culinary icon of Northern England, is renowned for its unique, long, spiral shape and its intensely flavorful, herby filling. Unlike many sausages that are formed into individual links, the Cumberland is traditionally made as one long sausage, then sliced before serving. This recipe will guide you through making your own authentic Cumberland sausage, capturing the essence of this regional specialty.

Understanding the Cumberland Sausage

Before diving into the recipe, let's explore what makes a Cumberland sausage truly special. It's not just about the ingredients; it's about the texture and flavor profile. A good Cumberland sausage boasts:

• A coarse texture: The meat is not finely minced, resulting in a satisfyingly chunky texture.
• A generous amount of herbs and spices: Traditional recipes often include sage, thyme, and pepper, creating a complex and aromatic flavour.
• A high fat content: This contributes to juiciness and richness, making it a truly satisfying sausage.
• The distinctive long shape: This is a key visual characteristic and also impacts how it cooks and is served.

Ingredients for Authentic Cumberland Sausage

This recipe yields approximately 1.5 lbs of sausage meat, enough for one large Cumberland sausage.

• 1 lb Pork Shoulder: Choose a cut with a good fat-to-lean ratio for optimal flavor and juiciness.
• 4 oz Pork Back Fat: This adds richness and flavor; don't skimp on this ingredient!
• 1 tsp Fresh Sage, finely chopped: Fresh sage is key for authentic flavor.
• ½ tsp Fresh Thyme, finely chopped: Adds another layer of herbaceous complexity.
• 1 tsp Black Pepper, freshly ground: Generous black pepper is crucial for that characteristic Cumberland kick.
• ½ tsp Ground Nutmeg: A subtle warming spice that complements the other flavors.
• 1 tsp Salt: Adjust to your taste.
• ½ tsp Ground White Pepper: Adds a subtle heat without overpowering the other spices.
• 1 large Onion, finely chopped (optional): Some recipes include onion for added flavor.
• Hog casings (approx. 2 meters): These are essential for achieving the traditional shape. You can find these at butcher shops or online specialist suppliers.

Step-by-Step Cumberland Sausage Making Instructions

1. Prepare the Meat: Cut the pork shoulder and back fat into small, roughly 1-inch cubes. This coarse texture is important for the Cumberland sausage.

2. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the cubed pork, pork fat, sage, thyme, black pepper, nutmeg, salt, white pepper, and onion (if using). Avoid over-mixing, as this can make the sausage tough.

3. Stuff the Casings: If you are using natural hog casings, they will usually need soaking in warm water for about 30 minutes to soften them before stuffing. Use a sausage stuffer (manual or electric) to carefully fill the casings with the sausage meat. Try to maintain a consistent diameter throughout.

4. Link the Sausage: Gently twist the filled casing at regular intervals to create the characteristic links. A Cumberland sausage is typically one long link.

5. Cook the Cumberland Sausage: There are several ways to cook Cumberland sausage:

* **Pan-frying:** Fry slowly over medium heat until browned and cooked through (approx. 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally).
* **Roasting:** Roast in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 45-60 minutes, until cooked through.
* **Grilling:** Grill over medium heat until cooked through, turning frequently.

6. Slice and Serve: Once cooked, let the sausage rest for a few minutes before slicing it into generous portions. Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or your favorite accompaniments.

Tips for the Perfect Cumberland Sausage

• Don't over-mix the meat: Over-mixing can result in a tough sausage.
• Use quality ingredients: The flavor of your Cumberland sausage will depend on the quality of the pork and herbs you use.
• Don't overcrowd the pan: When pan-frying, make sure to leave enough space between the sausage slices to ensure even browning.
• Experiment with spices: While this recipe is traditional, feel free to experiment with other spices to find your perfect blend.

This detailed guide provides you with everything you need to make delicious Cumberland sausages at home. Enjoy the process and the rewarding taste of this Northern England culinary treasure! Remember to share your culinary creations and tag us! Happy cooking!