Merguez

Merguez

مرقاز (mer-GUEZ)

Spicy Lamb and Beef Sausage

Prep Time 45 min
📈 Difficulty Medium
👥 Servings
6
🔥 Calories 338 kcal

Fiery, paprika-red sausages of lamb and beef seasoned with harissa, cumin, and fennel, grilled until smoky and snappy.

Nutrition & Info

340 kcal per serving
Protein 22.0g
Carbs 4.0g
Fat 26.0g
Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

dairy-free nut-free

Equipment Needed

meat grinder sausage stuffer grill or skillet

Presentation Guide

Vessel: grilling platter

Garnishes: harissa, lemon wedges, fresh parsley

Accompaniments: crusty bread, tomato salad

Instructions

  1. 1

    Mix ground lamb and beef with harissa, paprika, cumin, fennel, garlic, salt, and pepper. Combine very thoroughly.

  2. 2

    Refrigerate the mixture for thirty minutes to allow flavors to meld and the meat to firm up for stuffing.

  3. 3

    Soak lamb casings in warm water with vinegar for twenty minutes, then rinse thoroughly inside and outside.

  4. 4

    Stuff the seasoned meat mixture into the casings, twisting into links about twelve centimeters long each.

  5. 5

    Grill merguez over medium-high charcoal for eight to ten minutes, turning frequently until cooked through and charred.

  6. 6

    Serve hot off the grill with crusty bread, harissa, and a simple salad of tomatoes, onions, and fresh herbs.

💡

Did You Know?

Merguez has conquered France to become one of the most popular sausages there, but Tunisians insist theirs remains the spiciest original.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

  • meat grinder
  • sausage stuffer
  • grill or skillet

Garnishing

harissa, lemon wedges, fresh parsley

Accompaniments

crusty bread, tomato salad

The Story Behind Merguez

Merguez is Tunisia's gift to the global sausage world. These fiery links originated with the Berber peoples of North Africa, who seasoned lamb with local spices and dried peppers. The sausage gained international fame through Tunisian immigrants in France, where it became a fixture of barbecues and street food. Authentic Tunisian merguez uses only lamb and beef, never any other meat, with harissa providing its signature heat and red color.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed grilled meals, street food 📜 Origins: Berber-Tunisian

Comments (0)

No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!