Elk Sausage

Elk sausage is a delicious and savory dish made from ground elk meat mixed with various seasonings and spices. It's a popular way to enjoy the rich and lean meat of elk. Here's how you can make elk sausage:

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds of ground elk meat
• 1/2 pound of pork fatback (or fatty pork meat)
• 1 tablespoon of kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon of onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon of dried sage
• 1/2 teaspoon of dried rosemary
• 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• Natural sausage casings (if making links)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meat:
   • Ensure that the elk meat and pork fatback are very cold but not frozen. Cut them into small chunks that will fit into your meat grinder.
2. Grind the Meat:
   • Using a meat grinder with a coarse grinding plate, grind the elk meat and pork fatback together. Keep the mixture cold throughout this process.
3. Season the Meat:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground elk and pork with all the seasonings and spices. Mix well to evenly distribute the flavors. You can adjust the seasonings to your taste.
4. Shape the Sausage:
   • If you're making links, soak natural sausage casings in warm water for about 30 minutes to soften them. Then, slide the casings onto the sausage stuffer attachment of a meat grinder or a sausage stuffer machine.
   • Stuff the seasoned meat mixture into the casings, leaving some space at the ends to tie them off. Twist the sausages into links of your desired length.
5. Cook the Sausage:
   • To cook the elk sausage, you can grill, pan-fry, or bake them. If grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat and cook the sausages for about 15-20 minutes, turning them occasionally until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
   • If pan-frying, heat a skillet over medium heat, add a little oil, and cook the sausages for about 15-20 minutes, turning them to brown all sides evenly.
   • To bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the sausages on a baking sheet for about 25-30 minutes until they are cooked through.
6. Serve:
   • Once the elk sausage is cooked, serve it hot as a main course or use it in various dishes such as pasta, sandwiches, or breakfast scrambles.

Enjoy your homemade elk sausage with your favorite sides and condiments. It's a flavorful and lean alternative to traditional pork sausages, and the addition of spices and herbs enhances its taste.