Italian Fennel Sausage Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Is fennel sausage the same as Italian sausage? ›

Fennel is the spice that gives Italian sausage its Italian flavor. Often the fennel is a mixture of whole or cracked fennel seed and ground fennel. The whole or cracked fennel seed will help to give good visibility to the spice while the ground fennel will contribute a very distinctive fennel flavor.

They are (almost) all made of pork, but their seasoning is different. In the North, you often get a hint of cinnamon in sausages, while in the south they are often spicy and seasoned with either chilli or black pepper. Sicilian sausage is yet another variation as it is characterised by the use of fennel seeds.

The natural sweetness and slight licorice-like flavor of fennel contrast and complement the savory, often spicy notes of sausage. Whether used as whole seeds, ground, or sautéed bulb, fennel adds a distinct element to sausage dishes.

Sicilian sausages are thin and made from coarsely chopped pork and fennel seeds (I love the taste of fennel, it is pure Sicily).

The red pepper flakes are what give the spicy varieties of Italian sausage their signature kick, while fennel is the hallmark flavor that makes it distinct from other kinds of sausage.

Rinaldi Fennel Sausage, commonly referred to as sweet Italian, is your traditional Italian sausage. The notes of anise derive from the use of ground fennel seed mixed with just the right amount of salt and pepper to achieve the traditional flavors of southern Italy.

The Godfather

A criminally good blend of salt, pepper, fennel, anise and Italian pork sausage.

The main difference in Italian sausage when compared to other sausages is the seasoning. The particular ingredient that usually sets Italian sausage apart is fennel. This is a licorice scented herb that gives Italian sausage its unique taste that is different than other types of sausage.

Italian sausage, as it's referred to in the United States, is most often a pork sausage that is made with fennel seed or anise. It packs a ton of flavor, and can be seasoned with fresh or dry herbs. It's the usual type of sausage that you'll find in most pasta sauces, as a pizza topping, etc.

For example, Italians often eat fennel raw at the end of a meal, saying it helps with digestion and cleansing. If you do a quick search, you'll find that Fennel Bulbs are an impressive source of dietary fiber, which we all know is amazing for digestion and gut health!

What are the side effects of fennel? ›

Fennel is amazing in the fact that the whole stalk is edible. Italians often eat this at the end of a meal to cleanse the palate. The bulb can be sliced up and used in salads for an extra depth of flavor you never knew was missing – especially with mandarin oranges, balsamic and salt!

Tuscan pig being butchered in Cetona, the meat soon to be made into various sausages and other cured meat. Sausage in Italian is salsiccia, pronounced sahl-seech-chah. Listen to the pronunciation of salsiccia: Dried sausage in Italian is salsiccia secca, pronounced sahl-seech-chah sehk-kah.

Satisfy your cravings with Caputo's Italian Sausage Without Fennel, a meat lover's dream. Made from high-quality pork, this sausage is expertly crafted without any fennel for those who prefer a milder taste.

Mortadella – Large Italian (pork) sausage. 'Nduja – Italian spicy, spreadable sausage made with pork. Salami – Cured sausage, fermented and air-dried meat. Soppressata – Italian dry salami (sausage) Sopressa – Italian sausage.