SOUJOOKH (sue-juke)-Armenian spiced dried sausage

Mark Marcarian's Note:

The end of october is the best time to make this sausage. It is savory and spicy and a real Armenian delicacy.

• Total Time: 744 hrs
• Prep Time: 24 hrs
• Cook Time: 720 hrs

Ingredients:

Yield: 8 5x6 pie ...

• 10 lbs lean ground chuck (or undercut)
• 1⁄3; cup salt
• 1 (1 ½ ounce) can curry powder
• 1 (1 ½ ounce) can cloves
• 1 (1 ½ ounce) can kimion
• 1⁄3; cup black pepper
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• ¼ cup allspice
• ¼ can paprika
• 2 cloves garlic , crushed

Directions:

1. Mix all spices and sprinkle over meat.
2. Knead until well blended.
3. Refrigerate overnight.
4. Mix again and add more spices according to taste.
5. Again refrigerate overnight.
6. Prepare two cloth bags 10x14 inches.
7. Divide meat in half and fill bags.
8. Take two sticks (about 12" long), one for each bag, and place at open end of bag.
9. Wrap cloth around stick firmly and sew in place, leaving ends exposed.
10. With a rolling pin spread the meat inside bag to all corners to fill air space lake some string loops on extended ends of stick and hang out to dry in cold, dry sunny weather.
11. Bring bags in at sundown and refrigerate overnight.
12. Repeat this process for 2 weeks, then cut bags away from meat and then cut up partially dried meat into quarters.
13. Thread a string through each piece and hang out to dry uncovered for one more week, refrigerating at night.
14. when done, wrap each in aluminum foil and refrigerate or freeze.
15. Use as needed.
16. NOTE:Casings may be used instead of cloth bags.
17. A long process but well worth your efforts!