Colombian Morcilla is a traditional blood sausage cherished across Colombia for its rich, savory flavor. This beloved dish combines pork meat, pork blood, rice, onions, and spices, creating a distinctive sausage with a deep, satisfying taste. Often enjoyed for breakfast or lunch, Morcilla pairs wonderfully with arepas, eggs, and beans, reflecting its integral role in Colombian cuisine.
Morcilla, or blood sausage, has deep roots in Colombian culinary tradition, symbolizing a blend of indigenous and Spanish influences. Its preparation reflects the resourcefulness of traditional Colombian cooking, utilizing pork blood and other locally available ingredients. Though blood sausages are found worldwide, Colombian Morcilla stands out for its milder flavor, making it approachable for those new to blood sausages.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb cooked pork meat, diced
- 1 lb pork blood
- 1 cup rice
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup water
- Hog casings
Method:
1. Rinse the hog casings thoroughly with cold water and soak them in water for at least 30 minutes.
2. Cook the rice according to package instructions.
3. In a large bowl, mix the diced pork meat, minced garlic, diced onion, cooked rice, and spices.
4. Gradually add the pork blood to the mixture, stirring continuously for even distribution.
5. Incorporate the water and mix thoroughly.
6. Stuff the mixture into the hog casings, tying off the ends with twine. Leave some space inside the casings for expansion during cooking.
7. Boil the stuffed casings in a large pot of water for about 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
8. Allow the sausages to cool before slicing and serving.
Notes:
- Use fresh pork blood for the best results. Specialty butcher shops or Latin American grocery stores are good sources.
- If hog casings are unavailable, you can shape the mixture into patties and cook them in a pan or on a grill.
Nutritional Information:
Morcilla is high in calories and fat, so it should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Nutrition Value:
1. 1 lb cooked pork meat, diced
- calories: approximately 500
- carbohydrates: 0 g
- protein: 42 g
- fat: 36 g
- sodium: 85 mg
- cholesterol: 150 mg
- vitamins: rich in B vitamins, especially B12 and niacin
- minerals: high in iron, zinc, and phosphorus
Nutritional benefit: Cooked pork meat provides a substantial amount of protein, essential for muscle repair and growth. It also offers key vitamins and minerals that support overall health and immune function.
2. 1 lb pork blood
- calories: approximately 300
- carbohydrates: 0 g
- protein: 20 g
- fat: 5 g
- sodium: 75 mg
- cholesterol: 75 mg
- vitamins: contains vitamin B12
- minerals: high in iron and zinc
Nutritional benefit: Pork blood is a unique source of iron, which is vital for red blood cell production and preventing anemia. It also provides protein and essential vitamins, contributing to overall health.
3. 1 cup rice
- calories: approximately 200
- carbohydrates: 45 g
- protein: 4 g
- fat: 0.5 g
- sodium: 0 mg
- cholesterol: 0 mg
- vitamins: contains small amounts of B vitamins, including B6 and folate
- minerals: provides magnesium and phosphorus
Nutritional benefit: Rice is a good source of carbohydrates, providing energy. It is low in fat and cholesterol-free, making it a staple in many diets. Its vitamins and minerals support energy metabolism and bone health.
4. 1 onion, diced
- calories: approximately 45
- carbohydrates: 11 g
- protein: 1 g
- fat: 0 g
- sodium: 4 mg
- cholesterol: 0 mg
- vitamins: high in vitamin C and small amounts of B vitamins
- minerals: contains potassium and manganese
Nutritional benefit: Onions provide antioxidants and vitamin C, which support immune function and skin health. They also offer dietary fiber, promoting digestive health.
5. 2 garlic cloves, minced
- calories: approximately 10
- carbohydrates: 2 g
- protein: 0.5 g
- fat: 0 g
- sodium: 1 mg
- cholesterol: 0 mg
- vitamins: contains small amounts of vitamin C and B vitamins
- minerals: provides manganese and calcium
Nutritional benefit: Garlic is known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It also supports cardiovascular health and contributes to overall immune system function.
6. 1 tsp ground cumin
- calories: approximately 8
- carbohydrates: 1 g
- protein: 0.4 g
- fat: 0.5 g
- sodium: 1 mg
- cholesterol: 0 mg
- vitamins: contains vitamin E and small amounts of B vitamins
- minerals: rich in iron and manganese
Nutritional benefit: Cumin adds flavor and essential nutrients like iron, which is important for oxygen transport in the blood. Its antioxidant properties help protect cells from damage.
7. 1 tsp dried oregano
- calories: approximately 6
- carbohydrates: 1 g
- protein: 0.3 g
- fat: 0.3 g
- sodium: 0 mg
- cholesterol: 0 mg
- vitamins: contains vitamin K and small amounts of vitamin A
- minerals: provides calcium and iron
Nutritional benefit: Oregano is rich in antioxidants and vitamins that support immune health and bone strength. It also adds flavor without adding sodium.
8. 1 tsp paprika
- calories: approximately 6
- carbohydrates: 1 g
- protein: 0.3 g
- fat: 0.3 g
- sodium: 1 mg
- cholesterol: 0 mg
- vitamins: high in vitamin A and small amounts of vitamin C
- minerals: contains iron and potassium
Nutritional benefit: Paprika provides vitamins A and C, which are important for vision and immune function. It also contributes to antioxidant protection.
9. 1 tsp salt
- calories: 0
- carbohydrates: 0 g
- protein: 0 g
- fat: 0 g
- sodium: 2,300 mg
- cholesterol: 0 mg
- vitamins: none
- minerals: provides sodium
Nutritional benefit: Salt enhances flavor but should be used in moderation to manage sodium intake, which is essential for fluid balance and nerve function.
10. 1/2 tsp black pepper
- calories: approximately 3
- carbohydrates: 0.7 g
- protein: 0.1 g
- fat: 0.1 g
- sodium: 0 mg
- cholesterol: 0 mg
- vitamins: contains small amounts of vitamin K
- minerals: provides manganese and iron
Nutritional benefit: Black pepper contains antioxidants and aids in digestion. It also adds a spicy kick to dishes without significant calories.
11. 1/2 cup water
- calories: 0
- carbohydrates: 0 g
- protein: 0 g
- fat: 0 g
- sodium: 0 mg
- cholesterol: 0 mg
- vitamins: none
- minerals: none
Nutritional benefit: Water is essential for hydration and supports all bodily functions, including digestion, circulation, and temperature regulation.
12. Hog casings
- calories: negligible
- carbohydrates: negligible
- protein: negligible
- fat: negligible
- sodium: negligible
- cholesterol: negligible
- vitamins: none
- minerals: none
Nutritional benefit: Hog casings are used as a natural casing for sausages. They do not contribute significant nutritional value but are crucial for the sausage's structure.
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