Most people like andouille sausage because it can add a rich flavor to dishes. It has a richer flavor than other sausage types.
Generally, these sausages have a spicy and smoky flavor that gives dishes an exciting flare.
This article discusses andouille’s rich flavor in detail. We will also discuss the different types of andouille, how to cook them, where to buy them, how to store them, and so much more.
What Is Andouille?
Originally, andouille sausage was made from the digestive tract of a pig. Manufacturers mixed chopped or sliced strips of the pig’s intestines or stomach with seasonings and onions and placed the mixture in a casing.
Usually, they made the cases from the pig’s large intestines. They then poached the links and allowed them to cool.
Today, andouille sausages are heavily seasoned. The American version is made using the pork butt, the pig’s upper shoulder. Producers mix the meat with several seasonings and smoke it twice instead of poaching it.
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Andouille Varieties
Several types of andouille are available, but the most common ones are Cajun-style andouille and European andouille.
The basic ingredients in Cajun-style andouille are pork, garlic, pepper, fat, and salt. Additionally, the sausages are smoked twice. This andouille variety is spicier than European-style anduille
The ingredients in European andouille vary depending on the manufacturer, but most use spices that result in a robust flavor. European andouille sausages are not too spicy like Cajun-style andouille.
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Andouille Flavor
Andouille sausages are spicy, but the spiciness is not overwhelming because they also have a smoky flavor.
If you are not a fan of spicy food, you’ll still enjoy andouille sausages because their heat is not too much.
European andouille has a more robust flavor because manufacturers use more spices in the manufacturing process. Cajun andouille tends to be spicier than other varieties.
Generally, how spicy your sausages are significantly depended on the spices used during the manufacturing process.
Andouille’s smoky flavor leaves you with a pleasurable taste on your tongue. It also offers an intense kick.
Be sure to check the andouille variety before purchasing. Some are mildly spicy or moderately spicy, while others are very spicy.
How does andouille get the smoky flavor?
Andouille’s smoky flavor is distinct because manufacturers double-smoke it and season it well.
The double-smoking process results in a spicier, robust flavor that makes andouille sausages unique.
The wood manufacturers use during the smoking process also distinguishes it from other sausage varieties as it determines the overall taste of the links.
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How to Cook Andouille
Andouille sausages are pretty versatile. Since they are pre-cooked, you can remove the link from the fridge, slice, and serve it as it is. You can also make it part of a charcuterie board.
Alternatively, you could boil or bake the sausage. To boil, place the links in a skillet with approximately one inch of water and let them simmer for 10 minutes.
If you choose to bake, place the links on a sheet pan, pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, and bake for 20 minutes. Ensure the internal temperature is 140 degrees Fahrenheit before removing them from the oven.
You can also choose to grill andouille the same way you grill other sausage varieties.
After cooking, you can add the sausages to various dishes, including rice and pasta.
Dishes that call for andouille
As mentioned above, andouille is very versatile. You can add it to several dishes, and you can also grill, bake, or cook it on the stovetop.
You can add andouille to rice, soups, or stews. It is also a great addition to omelets if you want a filling breakfast.
If you don’t feel like cooking, you can serve andouille cold since it is pre-cooked. It goes well with wine and cheese.
The most common dishes that use andouille sausages are jamblaya and gumbo. Both of the dishes are spicy and filling.
You can always experiment with andouille sausages in dishes that require a meaty feel.
Where To Buy Andouille
You can buy andouille sausages in any grocery store near you. You can also buy them at butcher stores in your neighborhood.
At grocery stores, andouille sausage comes in a pack of six, whereas you can buy the exact number you want in butcher stores, be it one, two, or more.
How to Properly Store Andouille
It would be best to store andouille in an airtight container.
If the package you buy is not airtight, transfer it to an airtight container and place it in your fridge until you are ready to cook it.
If you want andouille to last longer, you can freeze it in an airtight container. It will be good to use for up to six months.
Andouille Sausage Substitutes
Andouille sausage is a fantastic sausage variety, but you may need to substitute it with another ingredient if you don’t have it in stock.
The smoky and spicy flavor isn’t too difficult to replicate, so there are several substitutes you can choose them.
Ideal alternatives are; German Bratwurst, Mexican Chorizo, Kielbasa, Italian Sausages, Chouricos De Goa, Sai Ua, Dukes Chile sausages, Butifarra pork sausages, Chourico, and Longaniza sausages.
If you are vegetarian or vegan, you can use tofu or vegetable andouille sausages.
Most of these substitutes replicate the flavor of andouille. They may not give you the same results, but they come pretty close. If you add them to dishes, you may fail to tell the difference.
You can also choose to make andouille sausage at home if you have the time. There are several recipes available online. The best part about it is that you have control over the ingredients to tailor-make the flavor to your preference.
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Conclusion
Andouille sausage is ideal for people who like a spicy, smoky flavor. Cajun-style andouille sausages are readily available in butcher stores, supermarkets, and grocery stores in the United States.
Once you open the package, it would be best to store the sausages in an airtight container inside your fridge. Freeze the links if you want them to last for up to six months.
If you’ve never tried andouille sausage before, this is your cue to do so. Its rich flavor is worth the experience.
