Classic French Merguez Recipe

Name: Classic French Merguez Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 12
Ingredients: 2 teaspoons cumin seeds; 2 teaspoons fennel seeds; 2 teaspoons coriander seeds; 2 tablespoons paprika; 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper; 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 3 pounds ground lamb and mutton; 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil; 2/3 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 1/3 cup fresh mint, finely chopped; 6 cloves garlic, crushed and finely chopped; 3 1/2 to 4 teaspoons kosher salt, to taste

Prep: 15 mins

Cook: 0 mins

Total: 15 mins

Servings: 12 servings

33 ratings

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Create a trip to Paris in your own kitchen with this merguez recipe. The spicy lamb sausage from Morocco has become classic street food in France. Moroccan food is hugely popular throughout France and its influence is now woven through, especially with the ubiquitous Street Food so well-loved everywhere.

Cumin, fennel, and hot peppers combine to make the uniquely flavorful sausage perfect for tucking into sandwiches, as it is typically served from food trucks at the market, festivals, and fetes.

What Is Merguez?

Delicious, yet supremely casual, these sandwiches are served with frites of course, no sausage is complete without them.

Dress up the presentation of the Merguez by grilling the sausage and serve it with rice and sautéed vegetables for an easy, culturally rich meal.

2 teaspoons cumin seeds
2 teaspoons fennel seeds
2 teaspoons coriander seeds
2 tablespoons paprika
2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 pounds ground lamb and mutton
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2/3 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1/3 cup fresh mint, finely chopped
6 cloves garlic, crushed and finely chopped
3 1/2 to 4 teaspoons kosher salt, to taste

Gather the ingredients.
Toast cumin, fennel, and coriander seeds in a dry skillet set over medium heat, constantly stirring, for about 2 minutes, until they become fragrant. Be very careful not to overcook, and worst still, burn the spices.
Once toasted, allow seeds to cool and process them in a spice grinder.
Add toasted, ground seeds to paprika, cayenne pepper, and cinnamon.
Place ground lamb in a large bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle spice mixture, chopped herbs, crushed garlic, and salt over meat. Mix seasonings into meat.
The seasoned meat can then be either formed into patties, the size and shape of your choice, or, fill bought sausage casings with lamb mixture. For this, you will need a sausage stuffer attachment often sold for stand mixers, or a stuffing machine.
Once made, chill before using.
Cook patties or sausages or simply fry until cooked through.
Serve stuffed into a bun, pita, or slice and serve in Middle Eastern flatbreads.

Tip

The sausages can be made in advance and kept in the refrigerator for a few days.

The Difference Between Lamb and Mutton

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
423	Calories
33g	Fat
2g	Carbs
28g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12
Amount per serving
Calories	423
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 33g	42%
Saturated Fat 11g	56%
Cholesterol 110mg	37%
Sodium 504mg	22%
Total Carbohydrate 2g	1%
Dietary Fiber 1g	3%
Total Sugars 0g
Protein 28g
Vitamin C 1mg	6%
Calcium 38mg	3%
Iron 3mg	16%
Potassium 413mg	9%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.