Boerewors, a traditional South African sausage, is a true staple of the country’s cuisine. Its name, derived from the Afrikaans words “boer” (farmer) and “wors” (sausage), speaks to its rustic roots. 

Bursting with spices and flavors unique to South Africa, boerewors is a beloved dish often enjoyed at braais (barbecues) or family gatherings. Here’s an authentic boerewors recipe that captures the essence of this flavorful dish.

The History of Boerewors

Boerewors is more than just a sausage; it’s part of South Africa’s cultural heritage. The recipe dates back to the early Dutch settlers, who brought their sausage-making traditions. 

Over time, local ingredients like coriander and cloves were incorporated, giving boerewors its distinctive South African flavor. It became a symbol of home cooking and community, particularly during braais, where family and friends gather to celebrate and enjoy delicious, home-cooked food.

Ingredients

For the Sausage Filling:

• 1 kg beef (chuck or brisket), cut into small cubes

• 500 g pork shoulder, cut into small cubes

• 250 g pork fat (or beef fat), cut into small cubes

• 1 ½ tsp salt

• 1 ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

• 1 tsp ground coriander seeds

• ½ tsp ground cloves

• ½ tsp nutmeg

• 1 tsp vinegar (preferably apple cider vinegar)

• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional for extra depth of flavor)

• 1-2 cloves garlic, finely minced

• 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (for a spicier sausage)

For the Casing:

• Natural sausage casing (ask for it at your local butcher)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Casing

Rinse the casing under cool water to remove excess salt.

Soak in warm water for 30 minutes to make it pliable. Rinse thoroughly inside and out by running water through the casing.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat Mixture

Mix the meats: Combine the beef, pork, and fat in a large bowl.

Season: Sprinkle salt, black pepper, coriander, cloves, nutmeg, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce (if using), garlic, and red pepper flakes over the meat.

Mix thoroughly: Using clean hands, mix the meat and seasonings until well combined. Be sure to distribute the spices evenly for consistent flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Grind the Meat

Choose your grind: Use a meat grinder with a medium or coarse plate, depending on your texture preference.

Grind the mixture: Feed the seasoned meat mixture through the grinder into a large bowl. You can run the mixture through twice if you like a finer texture.

Step 4: Stuff the Sausage

Prepare the casing on the sausage stuffer: Attach the soaked casing to the sausage stuffer nozzle, leaving a few inches at the end to tie a knot.

Fill the casing: Slowly feed the ground meat mixture into the casing, being careful not to overfill (which may cause it to burst) or underfill (which may result in air pockets). Work slowly to get an even feeling.

Twist into sections: Once the casing is filled, twist it into sections to create individual sausages. Tie knots or use kitchen string if necessary.

Step 5: Cook the Boerewors

For a Braai (BBQ): Preheat your grill or braai to medium heat. Place the boerewors on the grill, cooking for 10-15 minutes on each side until browned and cooked. Avoid pricking the sausage to retain the juices.

Stovetop Cooking: If grilling isn’t an option, cook the boerewors in a cast-iron skillet or grill pan over medium heat for about 10 minutes per side.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Slice and Serve: Serve your boerewors as is, or slice into pieces. Pair with pap (South African porridge), chakalaka (spicy vegetable relish), or fresh bread rolls.

Final Thoughts

Boerewors is a unique and flavorful dish that embodies South African heritage. This sausage has become a beloved part of South African gatherings and celebrations with its rich spices and juicy texture. 

Whether made at home or purchased from a local butcher, boerewors is best enjoyed hot off the grill, surrounded by friends and family. By following this authentic recipe, you can create your delicious boerewors and experience a taste of South Africa’s rich culinary tradition right at home.

ORDER FRESH BULK SPICES ONLINE FROM KITCHEN HUTT SPICES:  

Coriander seeds

Cloves Powder

Black Pepper Powder

Nutmeg Powder