Discover the rich flavors of Boudin Creole with this authentic recipe. This traditional Creole blood sausage is infused with a blend of aromatic spices and fresh herbs, offering a unique and savory taste experience. Perfect for a hearty meal or as a special treat, follow our step-by-step guide to create this flavorful sausage at home. 

Ingredients:

- 2 lbs pork shoulder, cut into chunks

- 1/2 lb pork liver, cut into chunks

- 1/2 lb pork blood

- 1 cup cooked white rice

- 1 large onion, finely chopped

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped

- 1 bell pepper, finely chopped

- 1 tsp paprika

- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

- 1 tsp dried thyme

- 1 tsp dried oregano

- 1 tsp black pepper

- 1 tbsp salt

- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley

- Sausage casings (available at specialty stores)

Instructions:

Prepare the Sausage Casings:

  - Rinse the sausage casings thoroughly under cold water. Soak them in water for about 30 minutes, then rinse again. Keep them in a bowl of water until ready to use.

Cook the Vegetables:

  - In a large skillet, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, celery, and bell pepper. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Set aside.

Prepare the Meat Mixture:

  - In a large bowl, combine the pork shoulder, pork liver, and cooked rice. Use a meat grinder or food processor to grind the mixture until finely minced. Alternatively, you can use a meat grinder attachment on a stand mixer.

Season the Mixture:

  - In a separate bowl, mix together the paprika, cayenne pepper, thyme, oregano, black pepper, and salt. Add this spice mixture to the ground meat mixture. Stir in the chopped parsley and the pork blood. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.

Stuff the Sausages:

  - Rinse the sausage stuffing tube and attach it to your grinder or stuffer. Slide the sausage casings onto the tube, leaving a bit of casing hanging off the end. Carefully stuff the casings with the meat mixture, making sure to pack it in tightly to avoid air pockets. Tie off the ends of the casings with butcher’s twine.

6. Cook the Sausages:

  - Bring a large pot of water to a simmer. Carefully add the sausages and cook for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C). Remove the sausages and let them cool.

7. Serve or Store:

  - Boudin Creole can be enjoyed hot or cold. If storing, keep the sausages in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.

Enjoy your homemade Boudin Creole, a true taste of Creole tradition!

Nutritional values

Pork Shoulder (2 lbs)

 - Calories: ~242 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: ~0g

 - Protein: ~20g

 - Fat: ~18g

Benefits:

 - Rich in protein, which supports muscle growth and repair.

 - Contains essential nutrients like B vitamins and zinc.

Pork Liver (1/2 lb)

 - Calories: ~175 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: ~5g

 - Protein: ~26g

 - Fat: ~5g

Benefits:

 - High in vitamins A and B12, which are important for vision and red blood cell production.

 - Provides iron, which supports oxygen transport in the blood.

Pork Blood (1/2 lb)

 - Calories: ~70 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: ~0g

 - Protein: ~16g

 - Fat: ~0g

Benefits:

 - Rich in protein and iron.

 - Contains essential nutrients like vitamin B12.

Cooked White Rice (1 cup)

 - Calories: ~130 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: ~28g

 - Protein: ~2.7g

 - Fat: ~0.3g

Benefits:

 - Provides carbohydrates for energy.

 - Can help balance the rich flavors of the meat.

Onion (1 large, finely chopped)

 - Calories: ~40 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: ~9g

 - Protein: ~1g

 - Fat: ~0g

Benefits:

 - Contains antioxidants and compounds that support heart health.

 - Adds flavor and aroma.

Garlic (2 cloves, minced)

 - Calories: ~149 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: ~33g

 - Protein: ~6g

 - Fat: ~0g

Benefits:

 - Contains allicin, which has potential antibacterial and antiviral properties.

 - Supports cardiovascular health.

Celery Stalks (2, finely chopped)

 - Calories: ~16 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: ~3g

 - Protein: ~1g

 - Fat: ~0g

Benefits:

 - Low in calories and high in fiber.

 - Provides vitamins A, C, and K.

Bell Pepper (1, finely chopped)

 - Calories: ~31 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: ~6g

 - Protein: ~1g

 - Fat: ~0g

Benefits:

 - High in vitamins A and C.

 - Contains antioxidants that support overall health.

Paprika (1 tsp)

 - Calories: ~282 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: ~54g

 - Protein: ~14g

 - Fat: ~12g

Benefits:

 - Adds color and flavor.

 - Contains antioxidants like vitamin A and C.

Cayenne Pepper (1/2 tsp, optional)

 - Calories: ~281 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: ~60g

 - Protein: ~12g

 - Fat: ~12g

Benefits:

 - Adds heat and flavor.

 - Contains capsaicin, which may boost metabolism.

Dried Thyme (1 tsp)

 - Calories: ~101 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: ~24g

 - Protein: ~7g

 - Fat: ~2g

Benefits:

 - Adds a fragrant, herbal note.

 - Contains vitamins and minerals and has potential antibacterial properties.

Dried Oregano (1 tsp)

 - Calories: ~265 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: ~63g

 - Protein: ~9g

 - Fat: ~4g

Benefits:

 - Adds a robust, aromatic flavor.

 - Contains antioxidants and has antimicrobial properties.

Black Pepper (1 tsp)

 - Calories: ~255 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: ~64g

 - Protein: ~10g

 - Fat: ~3g

Benefits:

 - Adds spiciness and flavor.

 - Contains piperine, which may enhance nutrient absorption.

Salt (1 tbsp)

 - Calories: ~0 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: ~0g

 - Protein: ~0g

 - Fat: ~0g

Benefits:

 - Enhances flavor.

 - Essential for fluid balance and nerve function.

Fresh Parsley (1/2 cup, chopped)

 - Calories: ~36 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: ~6g

 - Protein: ~3g

 - Fat: ~0g

Benefits:

 - Rich in vitamins A, C, and K.

 - Adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor.

Sausage Casings

 - Varies depending on the type (pork or synthetic).

Benefits:

 - Used to encase the meat mixture, giving the sausages their shape.

This recipe features a rich blend of pork shoulder, liver, and blood, combined with rice, vegetables, and spices to create a flavorful dish. The addition of paprika, cayenne pepper, and dried herbs enhances the taste, while fresh parsley adds a burst of freshness. The sausage casings are used to shape the mixture into sausages, making it a hearty and satisfying meal.