Healthy Food Recipes: Pink Sausage

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Additional Time: 30 minutes (for chilling)

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Servings: 6-8

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground pork
• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Steps to Cook:

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, ground turkey, cooked quinoa, onion, red bell pepper, garlic, smoked paprika, dried thyme, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.

2. Form the mixture into 6-8 equal-sized patties, each about 1/2 inch thick.

3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

4. Add the sausage patties to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

5. Transfer the cooked sausage patties to a plate and let them cool for 5 minutes.

6. Once cooled, place the sausage patties in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow them to firm up.

7. Serve the chilled pink sausage patties as a healthy and flavorful protein option for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Cook’s Note:

• For a leaner option, you can use all ground turkey instead of a combination of pork and turkey.
• If you prefer a spicier sausage, feel free to increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes.
• The chilling step is important to help the sausage patties hold their shape and texture. You can skip this step if you prefer to serve the sausage warm, but the texture may be slightly softer.
• Serve the pink sausage patties with your favorite toppings, such as sliced avocado, sautéed vegetables, or a dollop of Greek yogurt.
• These sausage patties can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat them in the oven or on the stovetop before serving.

The pink sausage recipe is a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional pork sausages. By using a combination of ground pork and ground turkey, along with the addition of quinoa, this recipe provides a leaner and more nutrient-dense option.

The inclusion of smoked paprika, dried thyme, and dried oregano adds a depth of flavor to the sausage, while the crushed red pepper flakes provide a subtle heat. The diced onion and red bell pepper add texture and a pop of color, making these sausage patties visually appealing.

The chilling step is crucial to help the sausage patties hold their shape and achieve a firm, cohesive texture. This step also allows the flavors to meld together, creating a more balanced and harmonious taste.

These pink sausage patties can be enjoyed as a standalone protein option for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They pair well with a variety of toppings and side dishes, such as sliced avocado, sautéed vegetables, or a dollop of Greek yogurt.

For a leaner version, you can use all ground turkey instead of the pork and turkey combination. This will result in a slightly drier texture, but it will still be a delicious and healthy option.

If you prefer a spicier sausage, you can increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to suit your taste preferences.

The versatility of this recipe makes it a great option for meal prepping. You can prepare the sausage patties in advance and store them in the refrigerator or freezer for later use. Simply reheat them in the oven or on the stovetop before serving.

Overall, the pink sausage recipe is a nutritious and flavorful addition to your healthy food repertoire. With its vibrant color, balanced seasoning, and wholesome ingredients, it’s sure to become a family favorite.