Sweet Italian Sausage

This homemade sweet Italian sausage is 100% free of funky, artificial ingredients you might find in the factory-made stuff. This recipe makes a large, 3-pound batch that can be portioned and frozen for later use but can easily be reduced to a 1-pound (1/3 recipe) batch.

What gives this recipe that special something is a winning combination of seasoning, combined with the natural fat of the pork, and the acidity of red wine vinegar.

Acid + Salt + Fat = Yum. (That’s a second-hand culinary school tip for you.)

My recipe below offers options for fresh garlic and onion for max flavor, but I also share dry measurements as a convenience option. I also applied a bit of heat to the seasonings to bring the flavors into full bloom. Although it contains red chili flakes, the sausage is still mild, and slightly sweetened with a touch of honey.

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Chef's Tips:

• This is delicious made with pork, or turkey. 
• If you are going to make meatballs with this mix, I recommend adding egg and a gluten-free breadcrumb substitute. Without a binder, this mixture can be crumbly.
• To freeze: Form the mixture into 8-ounce (1/2 lb) portions, and freeze on a parchment-lined baking sheet until solid. Place frozen sausage portions in a large zip-top freezer bag. Seal, label, and date the bag. Store in the freezer for up to 6 months. Thaw and use as desired.

 Use this sausage for my Stuffed Delicata Squash with Sausage, Greens, and Garlic recipe!

Thyroid-healthy Recipe Highlights:

• A 3 ounce serving of pork contains 103% DV for tyrosine, 63% DV for selenium, and 17% DV for Zinc – 3 key nutrients for thyroid health.
• Garlic has many powerful healing properties and can aid or alleviate some of the symptoms of thyroid disease, such as inflammation, cardiovascular issues, decreased immunity, and increased infection. It can also support the liver in its detoxification efforts.

Happy cooking, happy thriving, and enjoy the recipe (below)!

P.S. Need more thyroid-friendly recipe inspiration? I’ve got you covered. My Thyroid-friendly Everyday eCookbook features over 50 quick and easy, thyroid-friendly recipes your whole family will love. To take a peek at what’s inside, CLICK HERE.

 

More Thyroid-Friendly Sausage & Meatball Recipes:

• Turkey Albondigas Soup
• AIP Cranberry Cocktail Meatballs
• AIP Lamb Sausage (and 4 Ways to Use It)
• Tomato, Sausage, and Fennel Soup
• Stuffed Delicata Squash with Sausage, Greens, and Garlic
• AIP Lamb Hash with Carrot and Celery Root
• Italian Sausage Stuffed Mini Peppers
• Hearty AIP Breakfast Bowl
• Tomato, Sausage, and Fennel Soup