WORLD STREET FOOD

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Classic French Merguez Recipe

Create a trip to Paris in your own kitchen with this merguez recipe. The spicy lamb sausage from Morocco has become classic street food in France. Moroccan food is hugely popular throughout France and its influence is now woven through, especially with the ubiquitous Street Food so well-loved everywhere. 

Cumin, fennel, and hot peppers combine to make the uniquely flavorful sausage perfect for tucking into sandwiches, as it is typically served from food trucks at the market, festivals, and fetes.

Delicious, yet supremely casual, these sandwiches are served with frites of course, no sausage is complete without them. Dress up the presentation of the Merguez by grilling the sausage and serve it with rice and sautéed vegetables for an easy, culturally rich meal.

Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons cumin seeds
• 2 teaspoons fennel seeds
• 2 teaspoons coriander seeds
• 2 tablespoons paprika
• 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3 pounds lamb and mutton (ground)
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2/3 cup cilantro (fresh, chopped)
• 1/3 cup mint (fresh leaves, finely chopped)
• 6 cloves garlic (crushed and finely chopped)
• 3 1/2 to 4 teaspoons salt (to taste)

Gather the ingredients.

1. Toast the cumin, fennel, coriander seeds in a dry skillet set over medium heat, constantly stirring, for about 2 minutes, until they become fragrant. Be very careful not to overcook, and worst still, burn the spices. If you leave them too long, this will happen, and you will need to throw them away and start again. 
2. Once toasted, allow the seeds to cool and then process them in a spice grinder.
3. Add the toasted, ground seeds to the paprika, cayenne pepper, and cinnamon.
4. Place the ground lamb in a large bowl, drizzle it with the olive oil, and sprinkle the spice mixture, chopped herbs, crushed garlic, and salt over the meat. Mix the seasonings into the meat.
5. The seasoned meat can then be either formed into patties, the size and shape of your choice though avoid making them too big as they will be difficult to stuff into a sandwich. Or, fill bought sausage casings with the lamb sausage mixture. For this, you will need a sausage stuffer attachment often sold for stand mixers, or a stuffing machine. 
6. Once made, chill before using.
7. Cook the patties or sausages according to your recipe, or simply fry until cooked right through.
8. Serve stuffed into a bread bun, pita, or slice and serve in Middle Eastern Flatbreads and fresh salad.