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Sheftalia is a classic Cypriot sausage made from ground pork and lamb, mixed with herbs and spices, and wrapped in caul fat. Known for its juicy texture and rich flavor, Sheftalia is traditionally grilled and served as part of a meze platter or stuffed into pita bread with fresh vegetables and sauces. This recipe will guide you through making these delicious sausages from scratch, perfect for grilling on a sunny day.
Ingredients
1 lb (0.45 kg) ground pork
1 lb (0.45 kg) ground lamb
1 large onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup (30 g) fresh parsley, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp (5 g) ground cumin
1 tsp (5 g) black pepper
1 tsp (5 g) salt
1/2 tsp (2.5 g) cinnamon (optional)
1 sheet caul fat (enough to wrap the sausages)
Instructions
Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, ground lamb, chopped onion, garlic, parsley, cumin, salt, pepper, and cinnamon (if using). Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Shape the Sausages: Take small handfuls of the meat mixture and shape them into sausage-like logs, about 3-4 inches long. Make sure they are compact to ensure even cooking.
Wrap in Caul Fat: Rinse the caul fat under cold water and cut it into pieces large enough to wrap each sausage. Wrap each sheftalia in a piece of caul fat, tucking in the edges to ensure the sausage stays intact while grilling.
Grill the Sheftalia: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the wrapped sheftalia on the grill and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the sausages are browned and cooked through.
Serving
Serve the sheftalia hot off the grill. Traditionally, they are served in warm pita bread with fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and a dollop of tzatziki or yogurt. Sheftalia can also be served as part of a Cypriot meze platter alongside grilled halloumi, olives, and a variety of dips.
Sheftalia is a mouthwatering Cypriot sausage that brings the flavors of the Mediterranean to your table. Whether enjoyed as part of a hearty sandwich or a flavorful meze, these sausages are sure to impress. This recipe is perfect for summer grilling and is a delightful way to explore Cypriot cuisine.
