Cooking is a fun experience, but it can be stressful if you don't have all of the ingredients you need. If you are planning to cook a dish that you would usually use Italian sausage for but you only have turkey sausage on hand, you might be wondering if you can still use it. We have researched all about how to turn turkey sausage into Italian sausage and have the answers for you.
In order to turn turkey sausage or plain sausage into Italian sausage, all you need is fennel seed or ground fennel and a few dried herbs. You can mix in the right amount of fennel and have Italian sausage in a hurry.
There is more to talk about when it comes to what makes Italian sausage different from other types. If you would like to know what gives Italian sausage its distinctive flavor, how to substitute sausage for Italian sausage, what the differences are, and more, keep reading this post.
All You Need to Know About Italian Sausage
Sausage is a versatile choice of meat that can add to your dish. It adds a distinct flavor and is a great source of protein. You can add breadcrumbs, salt, black pepper, seasonings, and herbs to create a delicious dish. Italian sausage is a great addition to pasta, soup, or as a pizza topping.
You can buy turkey sausage that is already in the form of patties or links, or you can buy ground sausage so that you can turn into Italian sausage fairly easily if need be. Even vegetarians and vegans use meat alternatives with a similar flavor profile as sausage.
Is there a difference between sausage and Italian sausage?
Yes, there is a difference between sausage that you get at a grocery store and Italian sausage. The main difference between the two is the flavor. Italian sausage typically has fennel seeds in it. This, along with other seasonings, causes there to be a distinct difference in flavor.
Ground turkey sausage does not have seasonings or anything else added to it when you buy it from the store. It is plain unless stated otherwise. It is okay to use sausage in a recipe that calls for Italian sausage, but if you do not add fennel seeds, it won't be the same flavor as what you're used to.
Consuming fennel seeds actually has a few health benefits. For one, it decreases appetite, which helps people to not overeat.
Most people who struggle with obesity also struggle with self-control and overeating. If this is a problem you face, speak with your doctor and get their input about whether or not adding more fennel seeds to your diet could potentially help you.
If you are eating whole fennel seeds, keep an eye on your intake. Eating too many can cause some undesirable side effects. On the other hand, when it comes to breastfeeding mothers, fennel seed can increase milk production. Adding some to your sausage is more likely to benefit you than harm you, that's for sure.
What gives Italian sausage its distinctive flavor?
The distinct flavor of Italian sausage comes from the spice known as fennel. You can buy fennel seed or ground fennel at your local grocery store.
Fennel seeds resemble cumin seeds, but they are not the same. They don't taste the same or smell the same, but they could accidentally be confused for each other based on looks alone.
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You can make Italian sausage a few different ways. It is either sweet, hot, or mild. What makes sweet Italian sausage sweet is sweet basil.
The hot pepper flakes that are available at pizzerias can be added to sausage to make it hot Italian sausage. If you want mild or medium Italian sausage, all you need to incorporate is parsley and fennel seeds or fennel powder.
The way your sausage is flavored makes a big difference when it comes to certain dishes. Some people cannot handle spicy foods well at all.
Is there a substitute for Italian sausage?
You might not be able to run out to the store for Italian sausage, so what is the next best thing? This is an easy problem to solve.
The substitute for Italian sausage is basically any other type of sausage. You can use breakfast sausage, which is pork sausage, or you can use turkey sausage. Either way, substituting regular sausage for Italian sausage is a fairly easy and quick process.
Country sausage is not the same as breakfast sausage or Italian sausage. Breakfast sausage usually has sage in it and tastes quite a bit different than Italian sausage. This is why they are used for different recipes. Any sausage that has not been seasoned will work as a substitute for Italian sausage.
Turkey sausage tastes slightly different than pork sausage, but they can be substituted for each other in just about any scenario. It is fine to substitute turkey sausage for Italian sausage, but you should add the proper seasonings if you want it to taste like the Italian sausage you have in mind.
Italian sausage tends to be more expensive than plain sausage. It will take a little bit longer to mix in fennel seed and other spices, but it is worth it in the long run.
How do I substitute sausage for Italian sausage?
All you need to do to substitute sausage for Italian sausage is to add one teaspoon of fennel seeds for every pound of sausage. You can also add fresh garlic or garlic powder, onion powder, and a little pepper to bring it all together.
When most people think of Italian sausage, they are thinking of sausage that has fennel seeds and black pepper mixed in.
Dried herbs such as rosemary, oregano, basil, and parsley also work well when substituting pork sausage or turkey sausage and turning it into Italian sausage. Fennel seeds simply add the flavor that sets Italian sausage apart from your typical pork sausage.
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Is turkey sausage healthier than Italian sausage?
The answer to this question is complex. There are certain benefits to eating both turkey sausage and Italian sausage or pork sausage. Turkey sausage has higher levels of polysaturated fat and zinc.
Italian sausage made using pork sausage has a much higher selenium content, though. As for vitamins, Italian sausage does contain vitamin B6 and vitamin B1.
When it comes to cholesterol, turkey sausage consists of twice as much cholesterol as Italian sausage. This is especially important to remember if you have issues with your heart or health.
People who have problems with their heart benefit from choosing to eat turkey sausage because it has less saturated fat than pork sausage. Turkey sausage has fewer calories and still provides the source of protein your body needs.
Whether or not this decision matters a great deal to you depends on your own personal health. If you try to be aware of what you put into your body and want to achieve a balance when it comes to your physical health, you can choose to substitute turkey sausage for pork sausage in most instances. Making this conscious effort can improve your overall health and longevity.
A Quick Review
It doesn't take a whole lot of work to turn turkey sausage as it is bought from the store into Italian sausage whenever you do not have Italian sausage on hand.
Fennel seeds or ground fennel are key when substituting pork or turkey sausage for Italian sausage. Be sure to correctly measure the teaspoon of fennel seeds when adding them to turkey sausage to ensure you don't use too much. You should also add dried herbs to yield the best possible outcome.
Before you go, check out the following links related to sausage and more:
Does Turkey Sausage Have Pork?
Is Kielbasa & Sausage The Same Thing – What Is The Difference?
11 Soups For Winter That Will Warm Your Heart
