Potato sausage is a tasty dish that originated in Slavic countries in Europe. It is just as satisfying as 100% meat sausage but with one-third fewer calories. Read on to learn how to cook delicious Swedish potato sausage!
What is Swedish Potato Sausage?
A traditional sausage called korv, potatis korv, or varmlandskorv (or Värmlands Korv) in Sweden consists of boiled potatoes combined with ground beef and pork and seasoned with onions, salt, and pepper and stuffed into a casing.
Swedish immigration to the United States increased dramatically after a crop failure in that country in the 19th century. Potato sausage entered the diet of Midwesterners as migrant Swedes continued their culinary traditions in their settlements in the United States, making these homemade sausages a hit for all cultures to enjoy.
How to Cook Swedish Potato Sausage
Boiling Method
To boil Swedish potato sausage, fill your Dutch oven with enough cold water to submerge the sausage completely. Bring the water to a gentle boil. Carefully add your sausage to avoid splashing, then adjust the heat to maintain a steady simmer. It’s important not to let the water reach a rolling boil, as this can cause the sausage to burst. Boil for about 40 to 50 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick. If it emerges clean, the sausage is ready. The ideal internal temperature is 160°F.
Frying and Searing
Before frying, slice your sausage into half-inch thick pieces. To fry, heat a skillet with a tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Place the sausage slices in the skillet, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust. For an even sear, press them gently with a spatula. This method highlights the sausage’s crispy texture and rich flavors.
Baking and Grilling
To bake, preheat your oven to 375°F. Place sausage on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy clean-up. Bake for about 45-60 minutes, turning halfway through until evenly browned. For grilling, preheat your BBQ to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grill grates. Grill the sausage for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until you see grill marks and the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Baking and grilling impart a smoky flavor and a satisfying crust to the surface of the sausage.
Side Dishes
Swedish potato sausage is versatile in accompaniments. A common pairing includes a side of red potatoes, simply boiled and tossed with butter, ensuring a creamy texture that complements the savory sausage. It’s typical to sprinkle a light dusting of all-purpose flour over the sliced sausage for a subtly enhanced flavor. Additionally, serving the sausage with a side of lingonberries adds a hint of sweetness that beautifully balances the savory notes, while a dollop of mustards or pickled cucumbers provides a welcomed tangy contrast.
Frequently Asked Questions
In this section, you’ll find concise answers to common questions about Swedish potato sausage, helping you to understand how to enjoy and prepare this traditional dish.
What traditional dishes pair well with Swedish potato sausage?
Swedish potato sausage, known as ‘potatiskorv,’ complements a variety of traditional dishes. It is often served with pickled beets and lingonberry jam. During the holidays, it’s typically part of a julbord, a Swedish Christmas table, alongside dishes like pickled herring, meatballs, and Jansson’s temptation.
What ingredients are typically used in making Swedish potato sausage?
The main ingredients in Swedish potato sausage are ground pork, potatoes, onions, and spices such as allspice and black pepper. These components are mixed together and stuffed into a natural casing before being cooked.
What are the best methods for cooking frozen potato sausage?
To properly cook frozen potato sausage, you should first thaw it in the refrigerator. Once thawed, it can be boiled in water for about 45 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. For a crispy exterior, you can then brown it in a skillet or bake it in an oven.
Swedish Potato Sausage Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 pounds peeled raw potatoes, coarsely ground
- 2 pounds of ground pork, cut into pieces
- 2 pounds of ground beef, cut into pieces
- black pepper to taste
- 2 yellow, medium onions, peeled and quartered
- 2 tsp. ground allspice
- 1 ½ to 2 ½ tbsp. salt
- beef casings for stuffing
Instructions
- Coarsely grind the beef, potatoes, and pork in a meat grinder. If you are grinding in a food processor, cut it into 1-inch pieces first.
- Soak the potatoes in the water with ascorbic acid to prevent blackening.
- Grind the onions the same way.
- Drain the potatoes well and combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Mix them well.
- After that, stuff casings loosely, cut appropriate lengths, and tie them with a string.
- Pierce the casings in several places. Then put your sausages into a large pot. Fill the pot with just enough cold water to cover the sausage.
- Let the sausage simmer for 40 – 45 minutes.
- If you want your sausage crispier and more seared, cook it for a few minutes in a frying pan with some vegetable oil after they have simmered in hot water.
How to Cook Swedish Potato Sausage
Ingredients
- 4 pounds peeled potatoes coarsely ground
- 2 pounds ground pork cut into pieces
- 2 pounds ground beef cut into pieces
- black pepper to taste
- 2 medium peeled and quartered yellow onions
- 2 tsp. ground allspice
- 1 ½ to 2 ½ tbsp. salt
- beef casings for stuffing
Instructions
- Coarsely grind the beef, potatoes, and pork in a meat grinder. If you are grinding in a food processor, cut it into 1-inch pieces first.
- Soak the potatoes in the water with ascorbic acid; it will prevent blackening.
- Grind the onions the same way.
- Now, drain the potatoes well and combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Mix them well.
- After that, stuff casings loosely and cut in appropriate lengths, and tie with a string.
- Pierce the casings in several places, then put your sausages into a large pot and fill the pot with just enough cold water to cover the sausage.
- Let the sausage simmer for 40 – 45 minutes.
- If you want your sausage more crisp and seared, cook them for a few minutes in a frying pan with some vegetable oil after they have simmered in water.
Storing Potato Sausage
You can freeze uncooked sausage for up to 6 months. Just put the sausage in an airtight bag and place it in the fridge. No special tricks or equipment are required. You can keep the cooked leftovers for up to 3 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
What to serve with Swedish potato sausage
Swedish potato sausage is often served with traditional Swedish side dishes such as mashed potatoes, lingonberry jam, pickled beets, and sauerkraut. You could also serve it with a side salad or roasted vegetables. Don’t forget to serve it with a side of mustard or other condiments for added flavor.
