Merguez

Spicy red Moroccan lamb sausages for the grill. From Joyce Goldstein's "The Mediterranean Kitchen", 1989. Don't skimp on the fat, or they will be dry when cooked.

• Ready In: 40 mins
• Serves: 4
• Yields: 8 sausages

Ingredients

• 2  lbs ground lamb (1/3 of the weight in fat)
• 2  tablespoons water
• 1 1⁄2 tablespoons  minced garlic
• 2  tablespoons  chopped fresh cilantro
• 2  tablespoons  chopped fresh parsley
• 2  tablespoons paprika
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 1 1⁄4 teaspoons cinnamon
• 3⁄4 teaspoon cayenne (or to taste)
• 1 1⁄4 teaspoons salt (or to taste)
• 2  feet  hog casings (optional)
•  olive oil for cooking sausage

Directions

1. Combine all ingredients except casings and olive oil in a mixing bowl and mix well with your hands.Fry a small amount as a test and adjust seasonings to taste. It should be somewhat hot and the cinnamon should be balanced by the herbs.
2. Using the sausage stuffing attachment of a stand mixer, stuff the casings with the mixture and twist and tie to make 4-inch links. Alternatively, shape into 3-inch lozenges, slightly fatter in the middle, formed around metal skewers, or simply into small patties.
3. Heat the grill or broiler. If the sausages are in casings, prick them with a fork 2 to 3 times and brush with oil. Grill or broil them 3-4 minutes each side until cooked through. For lozenges or patties, brush with a little oil and grill about 3 minutes each side, or saute the patties in a little oil over high heat.