Embutido

Okay, this is seasoned ground pork that has been rolled into a log and then baked.  The ingredients sounds kinda strange when you think about combining them, but actually, this is absolutely DELICIOUS!  This is my mother's recipe which I have taken some liberties ( I know she will yell at me later).  I've made two different versions, one using Spanish chorizo and another using andouille sausage.  The Spanish chorizo is part of the traditional recipe.  The andouille sausage adds a whole 'nother level.  If you like your foods with some spice, I highly recommend the andouille sausage, if not, go for the traditional Spanish chorizo.  Remember, do not use Mexican chorizo, totally different taste and seasoning.  It will not work on this dish.  This actually is not hard to make, just mix all the ingredients, roll into a log, wrap and then bake.


Ingredients:

1 1/2- 2 lbs of ground pork
1 cup bread crumbs soaked in 3/4 cup milk
2 Spanish chorizo or andouille sausage (cut into chunks)
2 eggs (beaten)
4 tblsp sweet pickle relish
4 tblsp raisins
1 small can (6oz) tomato paste
1 cup pork or chicken broth
2 tblsp of light brown or raw sugar
2 tblsp canola or olive oil
Salt and pepper
2 sheets of aluminum foil

Heat oven to 350 degrees.  In a food processor, add the chorizo/sausage and raisins. Process until minced but not pureed.  In a large mixing bowl, add the ingredients from the food processor, ground pork, soaked bread crumbs, eggs and sweet relish.  Mix well and season with salt and pepper.  On one of the aluminum sheets, place half of the mixture and proceed to stretch out and create a log.  It does not have to be perfectly round.  Wrap the log with the foil and crimp the ends closed. Place foil wrapped log in a baking dish.  Do the same withe other half.  Place the second foil wrapped log in the same baking dish.  Place in the heated oven and bake for 1 hour.  Remove the embutido from the oven and reserve the liquid at the bottom of the dish. 

Unwrap the embutido and remove the foil.  Place the rolled meat back into the baking dish.  Set the oven to broil - Low .  Brush each log with the oil and return to the oven for another 10 minutes to brown.  Remove from the oven and allow to rest for 5 minutes before slicing. 

To make the sauce, in a sauce pan, add the tomato paste, sugar and broth.  Mix well to make a smooth sauce, and heat through using medium heat.  Pour the reserved liquid from the baking dish into the sauce.  Stir the sauce until the liquid is well incorporated.  Continue to heat until sauce is hot, season with pepper to taste.  Serve sauce with the sliced meat.  Enjoy with your favorite steamed jasmine or basmati rice.