Boudin Noir aux Pommes
A classic French autumn dish featuring pan-fried boudin noir (blood sausage) served with sweet, caramelized apples. This recipe balances the rich, savory notes of the sausage with the tart sweetness of the apples.
🧂 Ingredients
- 4 links Boudin noir (blood sausage)(Look for good quality, fresh boudin noir from a butcher. Ensure it is firm to the touch.)
- 3 medium Apples(Tart varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn work best. They should hold their shape when cooked.)
- 60 g Unsalted butter(Divided use: 30g for sausage, 30g for apples.)
- 2 tbsp Granulated sugar(For caramelizing the apples.)
- 2 tbsp Calvados(Optional, but highly recommended for deglazing and adding depth of flavor. Apple brandy or a dry cider can be substituted.)
- 1 pinch Salt(To taste, for seasoning the apples.)
- 1 pinch Black pepper(Freshly ground, to taste, for seasoning the apples.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the boudin noir: Using a sharp knife, gently score the casing of each blood sausage link lengthwise a few times. This helps prevent the casing from bursting during cooking and allows fat to render. Set aside.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 2
Prepare the apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples into roughly 1 cm (1/2 inch) thick wedges or half-moons. Set aside.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 3
Cook the boudin noir: Melt 30g of butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat (around 175°C / 350°F). Once the butter is melted and lightly foaming, carefully add the scored boudin noir links. Cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the sausages are golden brown and heated through. The casings should be slightly crisp but not burnt. Remove the boudin noir from the skillet and set aside, keeping warm.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 4
Caramelize the apples: Add the remaining 30g of butter to the same skillet over medium heat (around 175°C / 350°F). Once melted, add the sliced apples and the granulated sugar. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 8-10 minutes, or until the apples are tender and have developed a golden-brown caramelized color. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
⏱️ 8 minutes - 5
Deglaze (optional): If using Calvados, carefully pour it into the skillet with the apples. Let it bubble and reduce for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. The alcohol will mostly evaporate, leaving behind a rich flavor.
⏱️ 1 minute - 6
Serve: Arrange the warm boudin noir links on serving plates, ideally nestled on top of or alongside the caramelized apples. Serve immediately.
⏱️ 1 minute
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Score the boudin noir casing gently to avoid puncturing it completely, which could cause the filling to leak out.
- ✓Cook the boudin noir over medium heat to ensure it heats through without the casing becoming too brittle or burnt.
- ✓The apples should be tender but still hold their shape, with a beautiful caramelized glaze. Adjust sugar and cooking time as needed.
- ✓Ensure good ventilation if using Calvados, as it can flame up briefly.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Serve with a side of creamy mashed potatoes.
- Add thinly sliced sautéed onions alongside the apples for an extra layer of flavor.
- A dollop of crème fraîche or a simple green salad can provide a refreshing contrast.