Sausage and Bacon Skewers

Sausage and bacon skewers are an excellent rustic dish, perfect for an outdoor barbecue or a casual dinner with friends. Here’s how to prepare them:

Ingredients

• Sausage: about 300 grams
• Smoked bacon: 200 grams (thinly sliced)
• Fresh rosemary: a few sprigs
• Fresh sage: a few leaves
• Extra virgin olive oil: as needed
• Salt and pepper: as needed

Preparation

1. Start by cutting the sausage into pieces of about 3-4 cm. If you prefer, you can also use pre-cut sausages.
2. Cut the bacon into pieces similar in size to the sausage pieces.
3. Prepare the skewers by alternating a piece of sausage with a piece of bacon. You can also thread sage leaves and rosemary between the pieces to further flavor the skewers during cooking.
4. Heat the grill or barbecue. Meanwhile, lightly oil the skewers with extra virgin olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cook the skewers over medium-high heat, turning them occasionally to ensure even cooking on all sides, until the sausage and bacon are well-browned and crispy on the outside but still juicy inside.
6. Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

These skewers are simple to prepare and can be customized as desired. For instance, you could add pieces of vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or zucchini between the sausage and bacon. Remember to pre-soak wooden toothpicks in water for about 30 minutes before grilling if you are using them, to prevent them from burning.

Trivia

Skewers are a versatile and social way of cooking, as they allow guests to mix various flavors and are easily manageable in front of a flame, evoking a sense of conviviality and outdoor culinary tradition. In some areas of Italy, skewers take different names and are paired with local sauces that enhance their flavor.