Discover how to make Chassler, a delicious Swiss sausage that’s ideal for grilling or pairing with bread. This traditional recipe showcases the authentic flavors of Switzerland with easy-to-follow instructions for creating this flavorful sausage at home. Whether you’re a fan of Swiss cuisine or looking to try something new, this Chassler recipe will add a tasty touch to your meals.

Ingredients:

- 1 lb (450 g) pork shoulder, finely ground

- 1/2 lb (225 g) veal, finely ground

- 1/2 cup (120 ml) crushed ice

- 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream

- 1 tablespoon salt

- 1 teaspoon black pepper

- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

- 1 teaspoon dried thyme

- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

- 1/2 teaspoon paprika

- Sausage casings (natural or synthetic), soaked in water

Instructions:

Prepare the Casings:

  - Rinse the sausage casings under cold water, then soak them in water with a bit of salt for 30 minutes. Rinse again and keep them in clean water until needed.

Prepare the Sausage Mixture:

  - In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork shoulder and veal. Add the crushed ice and heavy cream, mixing thoroughly.

  - Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, nutmeg, thyme, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix until well combined and the mixture becomes slightly sticky.

Stuff the Sausages:

  - Rinse the casings once more and fit them onto a sausage stuffer or a piping bag fitted with a large nozzle.

  - Carefully stuff the sausage casings with the meat mixture, being careful not to overfill to avoid bursting. Twist the sausages into 6-inch links and tie the ends with kitchen twine.

Cook the Sausages:

  - Preheat your grill or oven to medium-high heat.

  - Grill the sausages for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until they are evenly browned and cooked through. Alternatively, bake the sausages in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and golden brown.

Serve:

  - Let the sausages rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy Chassler grilled with bread or alongside your favorite sides.

Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste and experiment with different herbs and spices to make this Swiss sausage your own!

Nutritional Values

Pork Shoulder

 - Calories: 232

 - Protein: 22 g

 - Fat: 16 g

 - Saturated Fat: 6 g

 - Cholesterol: 75 mg

Benefits:

 - High in Protein: Supports muscle growth and repair.

 - Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Provides B vitamins (especially B12) and minerals like zinc and iron, essential for energy production and overall health.

Veal

 - Calories: 205

 - Protein: 26 g

 - Fat: 10 g

 - Saturated Fat: 4 g

 - Cholesterol: 80 mg

Benefits:

 - Lean Protein Source: Helps in muscle building and repair while being lower in fat compared to other meats.

 - Rich in Iron: Important for oxygen transport in the blood.

Crushed Ice

 - Negligible calories and nutrients.

Benefits:

 - Aids in Mixing: Helps to keep the sausage mixture cold, which is crucial for texture and safety.

Heavy Cream

 - Calories: 102

 - Protein: 0.5 g

 - Fat: 11 g

 - Saturated Fat: 7 g

 - Cholesterol: 40 mg

Benefits:

 - Source of Fat: Adds richness and moisture to the sausage, improving texture and flavor.

 - Contains Vitamins A and D: Beneficial for vision, skin health, and bone health.

Salt

 - Sodium: 2,300 mg (recommended daily limit is 2,300 mg)

Benefits:

 - Flavor Enhancer: Improves taste and helps with the preservation of the sausage.

 - Electrolyte Balance: Necessary for maintaining fluid balance in the body.

Black Pepper

 - Calories: 6

 - Protein: 0.2 g

 - Fat: 0.1 g

 - Carbohydrates: 1.5 g

Benefits:

 - Antioxidants: Contains piperine, which has antioxidant properties and may enhance nutrient absorption.

 - Digestive Health: Stimulates the digestive enzymes and improves digestion.

Nutmeg

 - Calories: 12

 - Protein: 0.2 g

 - Fat: 0.8 g

 - Carbohydrates: 1.3 g

Benefits:

 - Anti-Inflammatory Properties: May help reduce inflammation and improve overall health.

 - Digestive Aid: Can relieve digestive issues and reduce nausea.

Dried Thyme

 - Calories: 3

 - Protein: 0.1 g

 - Fat: 0.1 g

 - Carbohydrates: 0.6 g

Benefits:

 - Antioxidants: Contains vitamins C and A, which help in protecting cells from damage.

 - Antimicrobial Properties: May help in fighting off infections.

Garlic Powder

 - Calories: 9

 - Protein: 0.4 g

 - Fat: 0.1 g

 - Carbohydrates: 2 g

Benefits:

 - Immune Support: Contains allicin, which has antibacterial and antiviral properties.

 - Heart Health: May help reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Paprika

 - Calories: 6

 - Protein: 0.3 g

 - Fat: 0.3 g

 - Carbohydrates: 1.1 g

Benefits:

 - Rich in Antioxidants: Contains vitamins A and E, which support skin health and immune function.

 - Anti-Inflammatory: Helps reduce inflammation in the body.

Chassler is not only flavorful but also packed with nutrients. The combination of meats provides a good source of protein and essential vitamins and minerals, while spices like black pepper and paprika add antioxidants and additional health benefits.