Kiełbasa Biała
Polish White Sausage
Kiełbasa Biała is a traditional unsmoked Polish white sausage, often prepared for Easter celebrations. It's known for its fresh, garlicky flavor and tender texture. This recipe focuses on achieving the perfect balance of pork, garlic, and herbs, resulting in a delicious sausage that can be enjoyed boiled, pan-fried, or baked.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg (approx. 2.2 lbs) Pork shoulder
- 5-7 cloves Garlic
- 2 tbsp Dried marjoram
- 2 tbsp (or 20g per 1kg of meat, adjust to taste) Salt
- 1 tsp Black pepper
- 1/4 cup (approx. 60ml) Ice water
- approx. 3-4 meters Natural hog casings
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the pork: Chill the pork shoulder cubes in the freezer for about 30-45 minutes until they are firm but not frozen solid. This helps with grinding. Grind the chilled pork using a coarse grinding plate (e.g., 8mm or 1/4 inch). You should have a coarse, slightly chunky texture.
⏱️ 45 minutes (including chilling) - 2
Combine the meat mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, minced garlic, crumbled marjoram, salt, and optional black pepper. Mix thoroughly with your hands or a sturdy spoon until all ingredients are evenly distributed. The mixture should feel slightly sticky.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 3
Emulsify the sausage: Gradually add the ice water to the meat mixture while continuing to mix vigorously. Continue mixing for another 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes sticky and emulsified, meaning it forms a cohesive mass and holds together well. This step is crucial for a tender sausage texture.
⏱️ 10-15 minutes - 4
Stuff the casings: Prepare your sausage stuffer. Attach a stuffing tube and carefully thread a soaked casing onto it, leaving about 2 inches of casing hanging off the end. Begin stuffing the meat mixture into the casing, filling it firmly but not so tightly that it will burst during cooking. Avoid air pockets as much as possible. Twist the sausage into desired lengths (e.g., 6-8 inches), ensuring the casing is secure.
⏱️ 30-45 minutes - 5
Cook the sausage: There are several methods: \n\n* **Simmering (Traditional):** Place the stuffed sausages in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring the water to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Do not boil. Simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 70°C (160°F). \n* **Pan-frying:** Prick the sausages a few times with a fork. Heat a little oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the sausages, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through, about 15-20 minutes. \n* **Baking:** Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Place sausages on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway, until browned and cooked through.
⏱️ 30-40 minutes - 6
Rest and serve: Once cooked, let the sausages rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Kiełbasa Biała is traditionally served with żurek (sour rye soup) or bigos (hunter's stew), but it's also delicious with mustard, horseradish, or as part of a breakfast spread.
⏱️ 5-10 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure all meat and equipment are very cold during grinding and mixing to prevent the fat from melting and creating a greasy texture.
- ✓If you don't have a meat grinder, you can ask your butcher to grind the pork shoulder for you.
- ✓To check for seasoning before stuffing, fry a small patty of the mixture. Taste and adjust salt or spices as needed.
- ✓If you encounter air pockets while stuffing, gently prick them with a sterile needle.
- ✓This sausage is unsmoked and meant to be cooked before eating.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a small amount of finely diced veal or beef for a different texture and flavor profile.
- Experiment with other herbs like parsley, thyme, or caraway seeds.
- For a slightly richer flavor, substitute some of the pork shoulder with pork belly.