When I make this, I fry it all up and then freeze it in small packages so it will be instantly ready for pizza, spaghetti sauce, meatballs etc., it’s great for a million things!!
1 pound of ground pork
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dry parsley
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes* (see note)
1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds (don’t leave out)
1/4 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika is good too)
1/4 teaspoon dry minced onion flakes
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup cold water
Measure the seasonings and then grind them all together with a mortar and pestle or spice grinder (so they will distribute evenly throughout the sausage.
Sprinkle the seasonings over the raw ground pork and then add the water. Mix with your (washed) hands and chill (covered) overnight. That’s it!! I told you it was easy !!!
After the sausage has “mellowed” in the fridge overnight, you can use it or freeze it (it freezes well).
I’ll never buy pre-made Italian sausage again. It is not only delicious, but I like knowing what is in my sausage!!
*NOTE: My picky picky husband HATES doesn’t like spicy, so this amount of red pepper flakes is ok for him. If you like a little more heat, just add more red pepper flakes.