How to Cook Wors With Gravy: The Secret Ingredient That Will Take Your Dish to the Next Level

Are you ready to experience the deliciousness of a classic South African dish? This blog post is your guide to mastering the art of how to cook wors with gravy. From choosing the perfect wors to creating a rich and flavorful gravy, we’ll cover everything you need to know to impress your family and friends.

Understanding Wors: The Star of the Show

Wors, pronounced “worse,” is a type of sausage popular in South Africa. It’s made from ground meat, usually beef or a blend of beef and pork, seasoned with spices like coriander, cumin, and paprika. The result is a flavorful, juicy sausage that’s perfect for grilling, braaiing, or cooking in a pan.

Choosing the Right Wors

The quality of your wors will significantly impact the final dish. Here’s what to look for:

• Freshness: Opt for wors that is brightly colored, firm to the touch, and free of any off-putting smells.
• Flavor: Choose a wors with a balance of spices that suits your taste. Some brands have a spicier kick, while others are milder.
• Type of Meat: Decide if you prefer beef wors, pork wors, or a blend. Beef wors tends to be leaner, while pork wors is richer and fattier.

Preparing the Wors

Before you start cooking, it’s essential to prepare your wors properly:

1. Remove the casing: If your wors is in a casing, carefully remove it by gently squeezing the sausage and pulling the casing off.
2. Cut into pieces: For easier cooking and serving, cut the wors into bite-sized pieces.
3. Pat dry: Use paper towels to pat the wors dry, removing any excess moisture.

Cooking the Wors

There are several ways to cook wors, but here are two popular methods:

1. Pan-Frying

• Heat a generous amount of oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add the wors pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are browned on all sides and cooked through. This should take about 10-15 minutes.
• Remove the cooked wors from the pan and set aside.

2. Grilling or Braaiing

• Preheat your grill or braai to medium-high heat.
• Place the wors pieces directly on the grill or braai and cook, turning occasionally, until they are browned and cooked through. This should take about 10-15 minutes.
• Remove the cooked wors from the grill or braai and set aside.

Creating the Perfect Gravy

Now that your wors is cooked, it’s time to make the gravy that will elevate this dish to new heights. Here’s a simple recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons of butter
• 2 tablespoons of flour
• 2 cups of beef or chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce

Instructions:

1. Melt the butter in the same pan you cooked the wors in (or a separate pot).
2. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and slightly browned.
3. Gradually whisk in the broth, stirring continuously until the gravy thickens.
4. Season with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce (if using) to taste.
5. Simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Assembling the Dish

You’re almost there! Here’s how to bring it all together:

1. Combine the wors and gravy: Return the cooked wors to the pan with the gravy.
2. Simmer for a few minutes: Allow the wors to soak up the flavors of the gravy.
3. Serve: Serve the wors and gravy immediately, accompanied by your favorite sides.

Serving Suggestions

Wors with gravy is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some ideas:

• Classic Side Dishes: Serve with mashed potatoes, pap (South African cornmeal porridge), or rice.
• Green Options: Add a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
• Bread Accompaniment: Enjoy with crusty bread for dipping in the gravy.

A South African Feast: Beyond the Basics

For a truly authentic experience, consider these additional tips:

• Add a touch of heat: If you enjoy spicy food, add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the gravy.
• Experiment with flavors: Try different herbs and spices like thyme, rosemary, or garlic to create your unique gravy recipe.
• Create a side dish: Serve wors with gravy alongside a side of samp and beans, a traditional South African dish made with dried corn and beans.

The Grand Finale: A Delicious Conclusion

Cooking wors with gravy is a delightful culinary journey that celebrates South African flavors. By following this guide, you’ll master the art of creating this hearty and satisfying dish. Remember, the key is to use quality ingredients, cook the wors to perfection, and create a rich and flavorful gravy. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready to enjoy a true taste of South Africa!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I cook wors in the oven?

Yes, you can cook wors in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the wors on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until cooked through.

2. Can I freeze wors?

Yes, you can freeze wors. It’s best to freeze it uncooked in its original packaging. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.

3. What other types of gravy can I use with wors?

While a traditional beef or chicken gravy is most common, you can also use other types of gravy, such as mushroom gravy or onion gravy.

4. What are some other South African dishes that I can try?

South African cuisine offers a wide range of delicious dishes, including bobotie (a spiced meatloaf), biltong (dried cured meat), and bunny chow (a curry served in a hollowed-out bread loaf).

5. Where can I buy wors?

Wors is readily available at most South African grocery stores and butcher shops. You can also find it online from specialized South African food retailers.