Lee
Lee Hickory Smoked Sausage
What it is
This is a fully cooked sausage made with pork and beef. It is seasoned and then smoked over hickory wood, which imparts a distinct smoky flavor and aroma. The sausage is typically sold in a link form, often vacuum-sealed for freshness. Its pre-cooked nature makes it a convenient option for quick meals and snacks. The smoking process also helps preserve the sausage.
How people cook with it
This smoked sausage is incredibly versatile in the kitchen. It can be enjoyed on its own or incorporated into a wide variety of dishes.
- Sliced and added to pasta dishes
- Cubed for breakfast scrambles
- Grilled for a quick meal
- Added to soups and stews
To prepare, you can simply reheat the sausage as it is already cooked. Slicing it into rounds and pan-frying until browned and heated through is a popular method. Alternatively, you can grill the links, bake them in the oven, or add them directly to simmering dishes like casseroles, soups, or stews where they will absorb the flavors of the other ingredients. For a smoky char, grilling is an excellent choice. Ensure it is heated thoroughly before serving.
How it differs from similar foods
Compared to fresh sausage, this hickory smoked variety offers a more intense, smoky flavor profile due to the smoking process. It also has a firmer texture and is already cooked, reducing preparation time significantly. Fresh sausages typically require longer cooking times and have a milder, less complex taste.
How to keep the rest
After opening, store any unused portion of the sausage in an airtight container or re-seal the original packaging tightly. Keep it refrigerated and consume within a few days to maintain its quality and freshness. Proper storage prevents the sausage from drying out or absorbing other odors from the refrigerator.