Traditional Kovbasa

2022-10-31

By Kyiv Chef

Ukranian Cuisine

Main Course

3 Easy Ways to Cook Kovbasa Sausages: Slow Cooker, Instant Pot, and Air Fryer Methods

Slow Cooker Kovbasa: Effortless, Juicy Sausages Infused with Rich Flavors

Use the slow cooker to gently cook your kovbasa sausages in a broth or sauce for several hours. This method ensures the sausage is infused with rich flavors while staying juicy and tender, making it a great hands-off option for cooking

Instant Pot Kovbasa: Quick, Flavorful Sausages in Less Than 30 Minutes

Use the Instant Pot's "pressure cook" function to quickly cook kovbasa sausages without compromising on flavor. You can brown the sausages with the "saute" function first to lock in flavor, then pressure cook them to perfection in a fraction of the time.

Air Fryer Kovbasa: Crispy, Golden Sausages with Less Oil

Place your kovbasa sausages in the air fryer to get a crispy, golden-brown exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender. The air fryer’s "air crisp" function cooks them evenly, making it a healthier option than traditional frying.

Tips and Suggestions on Kovbasa

Finding the right ingredients

The first challenge of making kovbasa is finding the right ingredients. This traditional Eastern European sausage requires specific types of meat, such as pork butt and beef chuck, as well as seasonings and spices including garlic, marjoram, and paprika. Look for local butchers that specialize in Eastern European meats or try ordering online.

Grinding the meat

Kovbasa requires grinding the meat, and getting the right consistency can be challenging. You can use a meat grinder, food processor, or even a hand-crank sausage stuffer to grind the meat. Keep it chilled throughout the process to prevent the fat from melting.

Stuffing the sausage

Stuffing the sausage can be a bit tricky. It's important to use natural casings that have been soaked in water to make them pliable. Remember to leave some space for the sausage to expand during cooking. It's also important to seal the sausages properly to prevent any air pockets.

Smoking the sausage

Kovbasa is traditionally smoked, which adds a complex flavor. Smoking can be done in a dedicated smoker or on a grill with the lid closed. Keep the temperature low and slow to prevent the sausage from drying out.

Storing the sausage

Once your kovbasa is smoked, it needs to be properly stored. Vacuum-sealing is the best method to keep the sausage fresh for longer periods. If you don't have a vacuum sealer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge or freezer.

Classic Kovbasa Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 kg pork butt
  • 1 kg beef chuck
  • 30g kosher salt
  • 10g ground black pepper
  • 10g mustard seeds
  • 10g allspice
  • 5g sugar
  • 1g garlic powder
  • 1/4 cup cold water
  • 2m hog casings

Instructions

  1. Soak hog casings in water.
  2. Cut the pork butt and beef chuck into small cubes and mix together in a bowl.
  3. In a separate bowl, mix the kosher salt, ground black pepper, mustard seeds, allspice, sugar, and garlic powder.
  4. Sprinkle the spice mixture over the meat and mix well.
  5. Grind the meat mixture through a meat grinder using the coarse plate.
  6. Once ground, mix the meat and cold water until well combined.
  7. Stuff the hog casings with the meat mixture, twisting the casings between each sausage to separate them.
  8. Poach the kovbasa in simmering water for 20 minutes.
  9. Remove from water and let cool before serving.

Cooking Time

Preparation Time 60 min

Cook Time 240 min

Total time 300 min

Nutrition Facts

  • Calories: 250
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 1 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Sugar: 0 g
  • Protein: 20 g

Variations for Kovbasa, Sausage

Garlic & Spice Sausage

This version is made with flavorful ground meat, roasted garlic, and a blend of spices, creating a deliciously savory sausage perfect for grilling.

Ukrainian Kovbasa: Garlic & Spice Infused Sausage

Veal Sausage

This version is made with tender veal, fresh herbs, and aromatic spices, resulting in a rich and juicy sausage that's simply irresistible.

Veal Sausage

Polish Sausage

This version is made with high-quality pork, seasoned with garlic and spices, delivering an authentic taste of Poland in every bite.

Homemade Swojska Polish Kielbasa

Slovenian Sausage

This version is made with premium pork, infused with garlic and paprika, creating a smoky flavor that captures Slovenian culinary tradition.

Slovenian Carniolian Sausage

Duck Sausage

This version is made with tender duck meat, blended with aromatic herbs and spices, offering a gourmet twist on traditional sausage.

Duck Sausages, Hunter's Style

Lamb Sausage

This version is made with succulent lamb, seasoned with fresh herbs and spices, delivering a bold flavor perfect for grilling.

Homemade Lamb Italian Sausage (or Goat)

Kangaroo Sausage Rolls

This version is made with lean kangaroo meat, mixed with savory herbs and spices, wrapped in flaky pastry for a unique treat.

Kangaroo Sausage Rolls

Kovbasa Recipe Review

Go to Top