German rope sausage, or Thuringer Rostbratwurst, is a traditional German sausage that is popular all over the world. It is made from a mixture of ground pork, beef, and spices, and then stuffed into casings. Rope sausage gets its name from the fact that it is traditionally made by twisting the sausage mixture into long ropes before cutting it into individual links.

To cook German rope sausage, you will need a grill or a grill pan. Preheat your grill or pan to medium-high heat. Place the sausage links on the grill or pan and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through and have a nice charred exterior.

While the sausage is cooking, you can prepare some traditional German accompaniments. Sauerkraut is a classic choice, and can be simmered on the stove until heated through. Serve the sausage and sauerkraut on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

If you don’t have a grill or grill pan, you can also cook German rope sausage in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the sausage links on a baking sheet. Bake for about 20 minutes, turning once halfway through cooking. The sausage is ready when it is firm to the touch and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

German rope sausage is a versatile and flavorful sausage that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Whether you prefer it grilled, pan-fried, or baked, it is sure to satisfy your taste buds with its delicious combination of spices and meats.

Preparing the ingredients

Before you start cooking German rope sausage, you need to gather and prepare your ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds of pork shoulder
  • 1/2 pound of beef fatback
  • 1/2 cup of ice water
  • 2 teaspoons of salt
  • 1 teaspoon of ground white pepper
  • 1 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon of ground mace
  • 1 teaspoon of ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon of grated lemon zest
  • 1/2 teaspoon of ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon of ground caraway
  • 1/2 teaspoon of ground cardamom
  • 1/2 teaspoon of ground allspice
  • 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon of ground marjoram
  • 1/4 teaspoon of ground thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon of ground sage
  • 1/4 teaspoon of ground basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon of ground rosemary
  • 1/4 teaspoon of ground lavender
  • 1/4 teaspoon of ground fennel
  • 1/4 teaspoon of ground paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon of ground cayenne pepper

Make sure all the ingredients are fresh and of high quality for the best results. You can find spices and herbs at your local grocery store or order them online.

Gathering the sausage ingredients

Before you can start making your German rope sausage, you will need to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here is a list of what you will need:

  • 2 pounds of pork shoulder
  • 1 pound of pork fatback
  • 2 teaspoons of salt
  • 1 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon of mustard seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon of ground mace
  • 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon of ground allspice
  • 1/4 cup of ice water
  • Hog casings
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Make sure to get fresh, quality ingredients to ensure the best flavor. You can find hog casings at your local butcher or specialty store.

Once you have gathered all the ingredients, you will be ready to move on to the next step of the sausage-making process.

Prepping the other ingredients

In addition to the rope sausage, there are a few other ingredients you will need to prepare.

First, gather your choice of vegetables. Traditional German rope sausage is often enjoyed with sauerkraut, so that is a popular option. Other vegetables you can consider include diced onions, bell peppers, and potatoes.

If you are using sauerkraut, drain and rinse it well to remove any excess brine. If you prefer a milder taste, you can also blanch the sauerkraut in boiling water for a few minutes before cooking it further.

Next, prepare the onions by peeling and dicing them. If you prefer a milder onion flavor, you can soak the diced onions in cold water for about 10 minutes before using them.

If you are using bell peppers, wash them thoroughly, remove the seeds, and dice them.

Lastly, peel and dice the potatoes if you choose to include them in your dish. You can leave the skin on if you prefer a more rustic presentation.

By prepping these ingredients ahead of time, you will have everything ready to go when it’s time to start cooking your German rope sausage dish.

Mixing the ingredients together

Before you start mixing the ingredients for the German rope sausage, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients handy. For this recipe, you will need:

Ingredients:
Ground pork
Ground beef
Ice-cold water
Salt
Pepper
Mace
Ginger
Nutmeg
Marjoram

Once you have gathered all the ingredients, you can start mixing them together. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork and ground beef. Use your hands or a wooden spoon to mix them well, ensuring they are evenly combined.

Next, add the ice-cold water to the mixture. This helps to keep the sausage moist and juicy. Sprinkle in the salt, pepper, mace, ginger, nutmeg, and marjoram, ensuring you distribute the spices evenly throughout the mixture.

Continue mixing the ingredients together until they are well combined and you can see the spices distributed evenly. This may take a few minutes of thorough mixing.

Once everything is well mixed, your sausage mixture is ready to be stuffed into casings or shaped into sausages. Refer to the next section for instructions on how to stuff the mixture into casings or shape them into sausages.

Combining sausage and spices

German rope sausage is known for its delicious taste and unique blend of spices. To create the perfect flavor, it’s important to combine the sausage with the right spices. Here are some tips on how to do that:

  • Start by choosing a high-quality German rope sausage. Look for sausages made from pork or beef, as they tend to have the best flavor.
  • Next, gather your spices. The most commonly used spices for German rope sausage include garlic, paprika, black pepper, marjoram, and caraway seeds.
  • To combine the sausage and spices, start by slicing the sausage into bite-sized pieces. This will help the spices infuse into the meat more evenly.
  • In a large bowl, add the sliced sausage along with the desired amount of each spice. Remember to adjust the quantities based on your personal taste preferences.
  • Using clean hands, mix the sausage and spices together thoroughly. Make sure that all the sausage pieces are coated with the spices.
  • Once the sausage and spices are well combined, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least an hour. This will allow the flavors to meld together and enhance the taste of the sausage.
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By combining the sausage and spices, you’ll be able to create a delicious German rope sausage with a flavorful kick. Experiment with different spice blends to find your favorite combination. Happy cooking!

Adding the remaining ingredients

Now that the meat mixture is ready, it’s time to add the remaining ingredients to give the German rope sausage its delicious flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Spices

Start by adding the spices. Traditional German rope sausage usually includes a combination of black pepper, white pepper, nutmeg, and garlic powder. You can adjust the amounts according to your personal taste. Mix the spices well into the meat mixture to ensure an even distribution.

2. Fresh herbs

Next, add some fresh herbs to enhance the flavor of the sausage. German rope sausage commonly uses parsley, thyme, and marjoram. Chop the herbs finely before adding them to the mixture, and mix well to distribute the flavors evenly.

3. Mustard and vinegar

To give the sausage a tangy kick, add a tablespoon of mustard and a tablespoon of vinegar. The mustard adds a spicy flavor while the vinegar adds acidity and helps tenderize the meat. Mix well to incorporate these ingredients.

Once all the remaining ingredients are added, mix everything together until well combined. Make sure that the spices, herbs, mustard, and vinegar are evenly distributed throughout the sausage mixture.

Congratulations! You have now completed the process of adding the remaining ingredients to the German rope sausage mixture. It’s time to move on to the next step: stuffing the sausage into casings.

Cooking the sausage

To cook the German rope sausage, follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Boiling the sausage

Fill a large pot with enough water to cover the sausage. Add salt to the water to enhance the flavor. Bring the water to a boil over high heat.

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Gently place the sausage into the boiling water, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Reduce the heat to medium and let the sausages simmer for about 10 minutes.

Step 2: Pan-frying the sausage

After boiling the sausage, you can add some extra flavor by pan-frying it. Heat a little oil in a frying pan over medium heat.

Remove the sausages from the pot and carefully transfer them to the frying pan. Cook the sausage for about 5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.

Remember to turn the sausage gently to avoid breaking the skin. The crispy outer layer adds a delicious texture to the sausage.

Step 3: Resting and serving

Once cooked, remove the sausage from the frying pan and let it rest on a plate lined with paper towels. This will help absorb any excess oil.

You can serve the German rope sausage immediately while it is still hot. It pairs well with sauerkraut, mustard, and a side of freshly baked bread.

Tip: For added flavor, you can also grill the sausage on a barbecue or a grill pan. This will give it a smoky flavor and nice grill marks.

Enjoy your homemade German rope sausage!

FAQ

What is German Rope Sausage?

German Rope Sausage, also known as Mettwurst, is a type of sausage traditionally made in Germany. It is made from ground pork, spices, and sometimes beef, and is typically smoked.

How do you cook German Rope Sausage?

To cook German Rope Sausage, you can either grill it, pan-fry it, or boil it. If grilling, cook it over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally. If pan-frying, cook it over medium heat for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally. If boiling, place the sausage in a pot of boiling water and cook for about 10-12 minutes.

What are some serving suggestions for German Rope Sausage?

German Rope Sausage is often served with sauerkraut and mustard. It can also be served on a bun as a hot dog, or sliced and served in a sandwich or with potatoes and gravy.

Can German Rope Sausage be cooked in the oven?

Yes, German Rope Sausage can be cooked in the oven. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the sausage on a baking sheet. Cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and browned.

Is German Rope Sausage gluten-free?

German Rope Sausage is typically gluten-free, as it does not contain any wheat or gluten-containing ingredients. However, it’s always important to check the ingredient list or consult with the manufacturer to be sure, as different brands may have different recipes.

What is a German rope sausage?

A German rope sausage, also known as Rote Wurst or Brühwurst, is a traditional German sausage made from pork, beef, or a combination of both. It is called a rope sausage because it is traditionally made by twisting the sausage mixture into a long, rope-like shape.