Linguica is a Portuguese mild sausage. Chourico is its spicy twin made different only by the addition of hot peppers. This recipe yields 5 pounds of sausage.
5poundspork butt, cut into 1/2-inch pieces OR 5 pounds ground pork
2tablespoonminced garlic
2tablespoonsalt
2tablespoonsliquid smokeOPTIONAL: I use this for the portion I package as loose sausage so it has a smoky flavor. Not necessary for the sausage going into the smoker.
2/3cupsweet red wine, preferably Madeira. [See Note 1]
4tablespoonssweet paprika
2teaspoonfreshly ground white pepper
2teaspoondried oregano or marjoram
1 1/2teaspoonssugar
1teaspoonfreshly ground black pepper
1teaspooncrushed red pepper(optional for chourico spicy sausage version)
1teaspoonpiri piri pepper or cayenne pepper powder(optional for chourico spicy sausage version) [See Note 2]
2teaspoonsvegetable oil
1cupwood chips, soaked - your favorite flavor
Instructions
Combine the pork, garlic, salt, paprika, white pepper, oregano (or marjoram), sugar, black pepper and red pepper in a large bowl and mix well. If using cubed pork butt, pass through a food grinder fitted with a coarse die. (Alternately, transfer in 2 batches to a food processor and process until finely ground.) If using ground pork, mix the pork and spices together and proceede to step 2.
Transfer to a large bowl, cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
The following day, add the wine and liquid smoke to the meat and stir well to combine.
To test the seasoning, heat the oil in a small skillet, and cook about 2 teaspoons of the mixture. Adjust seasoning, to taste.
Smoking the Links:
Preheat a home smoker to 175 °F.Load the wood chips. I use applewood or cherry. You may use whichever flavor you prefer the best.
Smoke the sausage for about 3 1/2 to 4 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 165 °F. We use an internal thermometer for this which we place inside a link in the smoker. [See Note 3]
Remove the links from the smoker and use as desired.
We serve ours with Baked Beans & Brown bread.
Notes
1). Portuguese sweet red wine, called Madeira, is a fortified wine and is not found in most grocery stores. Since it is a fortified wine, which has a higher alcohol content, it is only available in liquor stores in the US.2). Cayenne pepper isn't a traditional spice seasoning to the Azores. Hot parprika or piri piri (pepper) sauce would traditionally be used in its place. However, since most types of exotic peppers (for piri pirir sauce) are not readily available throughout the United States, cayenne pepper is a viable substitute for the hot paprika and homemade piri piri sauce.3). If you do not have a smoker, these may be prepared in the oven. Cook in the oven at 175 degrees F for 3 1/2 to 4 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.