Merguez Sandwich Recipe

Crafting these Merguez sausage sandwiches feels like a vibrant trip through a bustling Moroccan market, with the spicy kick of harissa and the cooling touch of lemon yogurt balancing each bite effortlessly. I love how the blend of savory sausages, sweet peppers, and tangy yogurt sauce nestles perfectly into a crisp baguette, creating a deliciously satisfying meal that’s as exciting as it is comforting.

I adore preparing scrumptious Merguez sandwiches that feature zesty sausages and a snappy French baguette. To me, the marriage of these elements—with sautéed red bell peppers and onions, plus a dash of harissa paste—yields an irresistible warmth.

What pairs even better with that is a creamy Greek yogurt and lemon juice sauce. It’s really that simple.

Merguez Sandwich Recipe Ingredients

• Merguez sausages: Packed with protein, these spicy lamb sausages impart robust flavor and heat.
• Red bell pepper: A sweet, crunchy addition rich in vitamin C and antioxidants.
• Harissa paste: Adds smoky, spicy depth with its blend of hot chili peppers and spices.
• Olive oil: A heart-healthy fat that enhances flavor with its fruity notes.
• Greek yogurt: Creamy, high in protein, with probiotics for digestive health.
• Lemon juice: Provides a fresh, tangy contrast, enhancing the overall flavor.
• Garlic: Offers a pungent kick while boasting anti-inflammatory qualities.

Merguez Sandwich Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 4 Merguez sausages
• 1 French baguette or 4 small sandwich rolls
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon harissa paste
• 4 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish
• Optional: mixed greens or arugula

How to Make this Merguez Sandwich Recipe

1. Warm the olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Toss in the sliced onion and red bell pepper, and cook until they become tender, about 5 to 7 minutes.

2. Minced garlic is added to the skillet and is cooked for another 1-2 minutes until it’s fragrant.

3. At the same time, in a tiny dish, combine the Greek yogurt, the lemon juice, and a small amount of salt and pepper.

4. Reposition the onion and pepper mixture on one side of the skillet. Heat the skillet on medium-high and add the Merguez sausages to the other side of the skillet. Cook the sausages until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes, turning them occasionally.

5. When using a baguette, cut it into four equal portions. If using sandwich rolls, they are suitable as is. Open up the pieces of bread, but do not slice all the way through.

6. On one side of each piece of bread, spread a thin layer of harissa paste.

7. When the sausages are done, move them to the bread you prepared earlier and insert them into the harissa.

8. Place the mixture of onions and red peppers atop the sausages.

9. Sprinkle a bit of the lemon yogurt sauce atop the sausage and vegetable layer.

10. Top with fresh cilantro or parsley, and mixed greens or arugula, if you like. Serve this salad immediately.

Merguez Sandwich Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Frying pan or skillet
2. Sharp knife
3. Cutting board
4. Small mixing bowl
5. Spoon or spatula
6. Measuring spoons
7. Tongs (for turning sausages)
8. Plate or platter (for assembling sandwiches)

FAQ

• What is Merguez sausage?Merguez is a spicy sausage from North Africa. It is made with lamb or beef. It is seasoned with spices like cumin, garlic, and harissa.
• Can I use a different type of bread for the sandwich?Certainly, the French baguette can be swapped for any hearty sandwich roll or even pita bread.
• What can I use as a substitute for harissa paste?Sriracha or another hot chili paste can be used, but it will change the flavor a bit.
• Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?It is possible to use vegetarian sausages and continue with the recipe as it is for a version that is free of meat.
• How do I make the sandwich less spicy?If available, use mild sausages and reduce or omit harissa paste.
• How long can the prepared ingredients be stored?You can keep components that have been cooked, like the mixture of pepper and onion, in the refrigerator for about 2 days.
• Can I add other toppings to the sandwich?Of course. Add toppings such as sliced tomatoes, pickles, or even cheese, for extra flavor.

Merguez Sandwich Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Spicy Italian or lamb sausages can be used in place of merguez to achieve a similar flavor.
French baguette: Substitute ciabatta bread or a sourdough roll with a good crust.
Avocado oil: Substitute sunflower oil or safflower oil for cooking.
Harissa paste: Replace with sriracha or a mix of smoked paprika and cayenne for a spicy flavor.
Greek yogurt: Substitute sour cream or a non-dairy yogurt for a similar texture. Use these in a one-to-one ratio.

Pro Tips

1. Toast the Bread Before assembling the sandwiches, lightly toast the baguette or sandwich rolls for added texture and crunch. This helps prevent the bread from becoming soggy when layered with juicy ingredients.

2. Caramelize the Onions For a richer flavor, cook the onions a bit longer to caramelize them. This will add a sweetness that complements the spiciness of the harissa and the savory notes of the sausage.

3. Adjust the Harissa Adjust the amount of harissa paste according to your spice tolerance. Start with a small amount and add more if desired. You can also mix the harissa with a bit of olive oil for easier spreading.

4. Enhanced Yogurt Sauce Add a drizzle of honey or a pinch of cumin to the yogurt sauce for a more complex flavor profile. The sweetness balances the spice, and cumin enhances the Moroccan-inspired flavors.

5. Let the Sausages Rest Allow the sausages to rest for a couple of minutes after cooking before slicing them. This lets the juices redistribute, ensuring the sausages remain succulent when served.