Vegan Spicy Italian Sausage
Introduction to Vegan Spicy Italian Sausage
Vegan spicy Italian sausage made with farro is a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional meat-based sausages. I used farro, a type of ancient grain that is high in protein and fiber, to provide a meaty texture and a nutty flavor. The addition of various herbs and spices, such as fennel, red pepper flakes, and garlic, gives it a bold and flavorful taste that is reminiscent of traditional spicy Italian sausage.
Farro
One of the benefits of using farro in this recipe is that it is a whole grain that is packed with nutrients. It is a good source of protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates, which can help keep you feeling full and satisfied for longer. Farro is also a good source of minerals, such as magnesium, zinc, and iron, which are important for maintaining a healthy immune system and overall health.
To make vegan spicy Italian sausage we use a quick-cook farro. You’ll add it to a food processor and quickly pulse it to break it into various sizes. Next, cook the farro then form them into the shape you want them to be, in my case I made links. I let this then rest in the refrigerator overnight to dehydrate and allow it to firm up. The last step is to pan-frying or bake them.
One of the best things about vegan spicy Italian sausage made with farro is that it is versatile and can be used in various dishes. They can be served on their own as a tasty and satisfying snack, or they can be used as an ingredient in pasta dishes, pizzas, and sandwiches. It is an excellent option for those looking for a plant-based alternative to meat-based sausage.
Vegan spicy Italian sausage made with farro is a tasty, healthy, and versatile alternative to traditional meat-based sausage. They are packed with nutrients and are a good protein and fiber source. This vegan sausage can be used in a variety of dishes and is an excellent option for those who are looking for a plant-based alternative to meat-based sausage. It is easy to make and can be cooked in a variety of ways, making it a great addition to any meal.
How to Make Vegan Spicy Italian Sausage
What You Need…
Chefs Tips
Vegan Spicy Italian Sausage
Equipment
- Cheesecloth
- string
Ingredients
- 1 cup farro quick cook
- 1 Tbsp olive oil extra virgin
- 1 Tbsp black vinegar
- 2 Tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 Tbsp poultry seasoning
- 1 Tbsp fennel seed toasted
- 1 tsp oregano
- ½ tsp crushed red peppers
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp maple syrup
- 1 ½ cup vegetable stock
- ½ tsp salt kosher
- 3 garlic cloves grated on a Microplane grater
Instructions
How to make Vegan Spicy Italian Sausage
- Use a blender to break the farro into a variety of sizes. There needs to be very fine, small medium, and a few larger pieces.
- Heat a pot over medium-low heat. Add the extra virgin olive oil, lightly cook and toast the farro for 1-2 minutes. Make sure to stir the whole time.
- Lightly toast the spices and herbs with the farro for another 1 minute.
- Add the tomato paste, soy sauce, and maple syrup cooking for 30 seconds, and stir to combine.
- Add the vegetable stock season with kosher salt, and bring to a boil. Cover and reduce the heat to a very low simmer.
- Stir and scrape the bottom of the pot to remove the farro that is sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- This part of the cooking is about moisture management. The farro needs to have enough liquid to fully cook, but not so much that it is wet.
- Cook the farro for 10-12 minutes, as you continue to cook the farro resist the urge to add too much vegetable stock, only add it if the farro is sticking a lot to the bottom of the pot and the farro is not cooked enough.
- Once cooked allow the farro to cool, covered, off the heat for 5 minutes.
- Add the grated garlic, stirring vigorously scraping the pot's bottom.
- Spread a rectangle-shaped piece of cheesecloth or parchment paper out on a cutting board.
- Spread the farro out in a log. Roll the farro into a tight log. Secure the ends with string.
- Place in the refrigerator overnight.
- You can make your sausage rolls as big or as small as you like.
Cooking Vegan Spicy Italian Sausage
- For the best outcome, I recommend sautéing the sausage in extra virgin olive oil. This helps set the exterior of the sausage, giving structure and texture.
- Cooking the sausage is dependent on how you intend to use the sausage. You can slice it into rounds and pan sauté until crispy, this is my favorite method. The texture is wonderful, crispy, and creamy all at the same time. You can sauté and then roast the whole sausage in the oven.
- You can even break the sausage up into large crumbles, sautéing until crispy.
