Morcilla
Colombian Blood Sausage
A traditional Colombian blood sausage, Morcilla is a savory and rich delicacy, typically made with pig's blood, rice, onions, and aromatic spices, then encased and cooked until firm. It's a staple in Colombian fritanga platters.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 liter Pig blood(Ensure it is fresh and has been properly handled. It should be at room temperature before use.)
- 2 cups White rice(Cooked and cooled. Long-grain white rice is traditional.)
- 2 large Yellow onions(Finely chopped.)
- 4 Garlic cloves(Minced.)
- 1 tablespoon Ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon Ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon Salt(Or to taste.)
- 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper(Freshly ground, or to taste.)
- approx. 2 meters Pork casings(Cleaned and soaked in cold water for at least 1 hour, or as per package instructions. These are typically natural casings.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the rice mixture: In a large bowl, combine the cooked and cooled rice with the finely chopped yellow onions, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 2
Incorporate the pig blood: Gently pour the room-temperature pig blood into the rice mixture. Stir carefully until the blood is thoroughly combined with the rice and spices. The mixture should have a uniform, dark color. Avoid overmixing, which can make the sausage tough.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 3
Stuff the casings: Prepare your sausage stuffer. Carefully thread a soaked pork casing onto the stuffer's nozzle. Begin filling the casing with the blood and rice mixture, ensuring it's packed firmly but not so tightly that the casing will burst during cooking. Leave about 1-2 inches of casing empty at the end. Tie off the end securely with kitchen twine. Continue filling until all the mixture is used, creating individual sausages or one long coil, depending on preference. Prick any air bubbles gently with a fine needle.
⏱️ 45 minutes - 4
Poach the morcilla: Bring a large pot of water to a gentle simmer over medium heat. The water should not be boiling vigorously. Carefully place the stuffed morcilla into the simmering water. Ensure the sausages are fully submerged. Poach for approximately 45-60 minutes, or until the sausages are firm to the touch and have a deep, rich color. The internal temperature should reach at least 71°C (160°F).
⏱️ 45-60 minutes - 5
Cool and rest: Once poached, carefully remove the morcilla from the water and let them cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes. This allows them to firm up further and makes them easier to handle.
⏱️ 15 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Morcilla is a key component of Colombian 'fritanga', a platter of fried meats and accompaniments.
- ✓For the best flavor and texture, grill or pan-fry the poached morcilla until slightly crispy before serving.
- ✓This recipe follows a traditional technique, but variations in spice levels and additions are common.
- ✓Handle pig blood with extreme care and ensure it's from a reputable source.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a finely chopped chili for a spicy kick.
- Incorporate cooked green peas or finely diced carrots into the rice mixture for added texture and color.
- Experiment with different spice blends, such as adding a touch of star anise or cloves.