Mississippi sausage, also known as comeback sausage, is a type of sausage that originated in the state of Mississippi. It is a smoked sausage made from a combination of pork, beef, and spices, and is known for its rich, savory flavor. In this article, we will explore the history of Mississippi sausage, its ingredients, and provide a step-by-step guide on how to cook it to perfection.
A Brief History of Mississippi Sausage
Mississippi sausage has a long and storied history that dates back to the early 20th century. The sausage was originally made by a butcher named Sid Williams, who owned a meat market in the town of Vicksburg, Mississippi. Williams developed a secret recipe for the sausage, which quickly became popular with the local residents. The sausage was initially called “comeback sausage” because of its addictive flavor, which kept customers coming back for more.
Over time, the recipe for Mississippi sausage was passed down from generation to generation, and it eventually became a staple of Southern cuisine. Today, the sausage is enjoyed not only in Mississippi but also throughout the United States.
Ingredients and Equipment Needed
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s take a look at the ingredients and equipment needed to prepare Mississippi sausage.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound Mississippi sausage
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 hamburger buns (optional)
- Sliced cheese, lettuce, tomato, and pickles (optional)
Equipment:
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Tongs or spatula
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon
Cooking Mississippi Sausage
Now that we have our ingredients and equipment, let’s move on to the cooking process. There are several ways to cook Mississippi sausage, including grilling, pan-frying, and baking. In this article, we will focus on pan-frying, which is a popular method for cooking the sausage.
Step 1: Slicing the Sausage
The first step in cooking Mississippi sausage is to slice it into thin rounds. This will help the sausage cook evenly and prevent it from becoming too crispy on the outside.
Step 2: Heating the Skillet
Next, heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet and swirl it around to coat the bottom.
Step 3: Cooking the Sausage
Once the skillet is hot, add the sliced sausage to the skillet. Cook the sausage for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until it is nicely browned and cooked through.
Step 4: Adding Aromatics
While the sausage is cooking, add sliced onions and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook the onions and garlic until they are softened and translucent.
Step 5: Adding Liquid
Once the onions and garlic are cooked, add 1 cup of chicken broth, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano to the skillet. Stir the mixture to combine.
Step 6: Simmering the Sausage
Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer the sausage in the liquid for 10-15 minutes, or until it is fully cooked and the liquid has thickened.
Step 7: Serving
Once the sausage is cooked, remove it from the skillet and place it on a cutting board. Slice the sausage into thin rounds and serve it on a hamburger bun with sliced cheese, lettuce, tomato, and pickles.
Variations and Tips
While the recipe above is a classic way to cook Mississippi sausage, there are several variations and tips that you can try to enhance the flavor and texture of the sausage.
Variations:
- Grilling: Instead of pan-frying the sausage, you can grill it over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until it is nicely charred and cooked through.
- Baking: You can also bake the sausage in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until it is cooked through.
- Smoking: If you have a smoker, you can smoke the sausage over low heat for 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until it is nicely flavored and tender.
Tips:
- Use a thermometer: To ensure that the sausage is cooked to a safe internal temperature, use a thermometer to check the temperature. The internal temperature of the sausage should be at least 160°F (71°C).
- Don’t overcook: Mississippi sausage can become dry and tough if it is overcooked. Make sure to cook the sausage until it is just cooked through, and then remove it from the heat.
- Experiment with spices: Mississippi sausage is known for its rich, savory flavor, but you can also experiment with different spices and seasonings to enhance the flavor. Some popular spices and seasonings include paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Conclusion
Mississippi sausage is a delicious and flavorful sausage that is perfect for grilling, pan-frying, or baking. With its rich, savory flavor and tender texture, it’s no wonder that this sausage has become a staple of Southern cuisine. By following the recipe and tips outlined in this article, you can create a delicious and authentic Mississippi sausage dish that is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. So go ahead, give it a try, and experience the flavor of the South for yourself!
What is Mississippi Sausage and how does it differ from other sausages?
Mississippi Sausage, also known as Comeback Sausage, is a type of sausage that originated in the state of Mississippi. It is a smoked sausage made from a combination of pork, beef, and spices, which gives it a unique flavor profile. The sausage is typically stuffed into a natural casing, giving it a traditional snap when bitten into.
One of the key differences between Mississippi Sausage and other sausages is its use of a specific blend of spices, which includes paprika, garlic, and onion powder. This blend gives the sausage a distinctive flavor that is both smoky and slightly sweet. Additionally, Mississippi Sausage is often made with a higher proportion of pork than other sausages, which makes it more tender and juicy.
What are the essential ingredients needed to make Mississippi Sausage?
To make Mississippi Sausage, you will need a combination of pork, beef, and spices. The pork should be a combination of lean and fat cuts, such as pork shoulder and pork belly. The beef should be a lean cut, such as chuck or round. You will also need a blend of spices, including paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
In addition to the meat and spices, you will also need a natural casing to stuff the sausage into. This can be either hog casings or cellulose casings. Hog casings are traditional and give the sausage a more authentic flavor, while cellulose casings are easier to use and provide a more consistent texture. You will also need a sausage stuffer or a meat grinder to grind and stuff the sausage.
How do I grind and mix the meat for Mississippi Sausage?
To grind and mix the meat for Mississippi Sausage, you will need a meat grinder or a sausage stuffer. First, grind the pork and beef through a coarse plate, then mix the two meats together in a large bowl. Add the spice blend and mix until the spices are evenly distributed throughout the meat.
Next, grind the meat mixture through a finer plate to create a more uniform texture. Be careful not to over-grind the meat, as this can make it too dense and lose its texture. Once the meat is ground, mix it again to ensure that the spices are evenly distributed. You can then stuff the sausage into casings using a sausage stuffer.
What is the best way to stuff Mississippi Sausage into casings?
To stuff Mississippi Sausage into casings, you will need a sausage stuffer. First, soak the casings in cold water for at least 30 minutes to make them more pliable. Then, attach the casings to the sausage stuffer and fill the stuffer with the ground meat mixture.
Turn the handle of the sausage stuffer slowly to fill the casings with the meat mixture. Be careful not to overfill the casings, as this can cause them to burst. As you fill the casings, use your hands to shape the sausage into links. You can then twist the links into individual sausages.
How do I smoke Mississippi Sausage to give it a traditional flavor?
To smoke Mississippi Sausage, you will need a smoker or a charcoal grill with a lid. First, set up your smoker or grill to run at a temperature of around 225°F. Then, hang the sausages in the smoker or grill, making sure that they are not touching each other.
Smoke the sausages for at least 4 hours, or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F. You can use a variety of woods to smoke the sausages, including hickory, oak, and pecan. Hickory is traditional for Mississippi Sausage, but you can experiment with different woods to find the flavor you like best.
Can I cook Mississippi Sausage in a pan instead of smoking it?
Yes, you can cook Mississippi Sausage in a pan instead of smoking it. To do this, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil. Then, add the sausages to the skillet and cook until they are browned on all sides.
Once the sausages are browned, reduce the heat to medium-low and add a small amount of liquid to the skillet, such as beer or chicken broth. Cover the skillet with a lid and simmer the sausages for at least 30 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F. This method will give the sausages a crispy exterior and a juicy interior.
How do I store Mississippi Sausage to keep it fresh?
To store Mississippi Sausage, you should keep it refrigerated at a temperature of 40°F or below. You can store the sausages in a covered container or zip-top bag, making sure to press out as much air as possible before sealing.
If you want to keep the sausages for a longer period of time, you can freeze them. To freeze the sausages, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and put the sheet in the freezer. Once the sausages are frozen, you can transfer them to a zip-top bag or airtight container and store them in the freezer for up to 6 months.