Botifarra Canela

Background and History

Botifarra Canela is a traditional dish originating from the Catalonia region in Spain. Known for its blend of savory ingredients with a hint of cinnamon, this dish has been a staple part of Catalonian cuisine for centuries. Historically, botifarras were made by peasants after the pig slaughter season known as ‘matanza’. Over time, this sausage became not only a way to preserve meat but also a delicacy in regional festivities.

Ingredients

• Pork - 500g, minced
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Black Pepper - 1 teaspoon
• Garlic - 3 cloves, minced
• Cinnamon - 1 teaspoon
• Pork Casing - enough for stuffing
• Olive Oil - 2 tablespoons

Preparation

To begin preparing the Botifarra Canela, ensure that your pork is finely minced. You can ask your butcher to do this or use a meat grinder at home.

Making the Sausage Mixture

1. In a large bowl, combine the minced pork, salt, and black pepper.
2. Add the minced garlic and cinnamon. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly combined into the pork mixture.
3. Cover the mixture and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.

Stuffing the Sausage

1. Rinse the pork casing thoroughly under cold water. Make sure there are no holes, as this could cause the sausage to burst during cooking.
2. Using a sausage stuffer, carefully stuff the pork mixture into the casing, taking care not to overfill.
3. Twist the casing at intervals to form individual sausages, each approximately 6 inches in length.
4. Once all of the pork mixture is used, tie off the end of the casing.

Cooking Process

Before you begin cooking the botifarra, ensure you have a reliable cooking timer at hand to monitor the cooking times accurately.

1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the botifarra sausages and cook, turning occasionally until they are evenly browned all over, approximately 15-20 minutes. Make sure to use a cooking timer to avoid overcooking.
3. Once cooked through, remove from heat and let them sit for a few minutes, allowing the juices to redistribute.

How to Enjoy Botifarra Canela

The Botifarra Canela can be enjoyed in a typical Catalan fashion, paired with a glass of robust red wine. Serve it alongside traditional Catalan accompaniments such as white beans or roasted vegetables. Its rich, savory taste with a touch of cinnamon pairs well with crusty bread and a light salad dressed with olive oil and vinegar.

This dish is not only a celebration of Catalan culinary heritage but also a testament to the delightful complexity that simple, localized ingredients can achieve. Whether it’s a festive occasion or a quiet meal at home, Botifarra Canela is sure to satisfy.