Weckewerk facts for kids
Weckewerk is a special type of sausage from Northern Hesse, a region in Germany. It's a traditional dish that has been enjoyed there for a long time. People often eat it as part of a hearty meal.
What is Weckewerk?
Weckewerk is sometimes called Weckewurst. It's made from cooked meat, often from pork. A key ingredient is "brawn," which is meat from a pig's head that has been cooked and pressed. The sausage also includes minced meat, which can be veal or other sausage meat. All of this is mixed with a rich broth.
The name "Weckewerk" comes from an old word for "roll" in Northern Hesse, which is "Weck" or "Wegge." This is because stale bread is added to the mixture. This bread helps to "stretch" the sausage, making it a unique and filling dish.
How is Weckewerk Made?
To make Weckewerk, the ingredients are carefully chosen. Besides the meat and broth, it's seasoned with tasty spices. These include onions, salt, pepper, and marjoram. Sometimes, people also add caraway, allspice, and garlic for extra flavor.
All the ingredients are ground up and mixed together. If the Weckewerk is going to be eaten soon, the mixture is put into pig intestines. If it needs to be stored for a longer time, it can be preserved in jars or put into artificial casings.
How to Enjoy Weckewerk
Weckewerk can be eaten in a few different ways. Some people like to eat it cold, right out of the package. Others prefer to fry it in a pan until it's warm and crispy.
The Mayor's Favorite
There's a special way to prepare Weckewerk called Bürgermeisterart. This means "in the fashion of the mayor." It's named after Philipp Scheidemann, who was once the mayor of Kassel. He liked his Weckewerk almost burnt when it was fried. So, if you hear "Bürgermeisterart," it means the Weckewerk is cooked until it's very crispy and dark.
When people eat Weckewerk, they often serve it with other delicious foods. Common side dishes include:
- Boiled potatoes
- Leeks
- Black pudding (another type of sausage)
- Pickled cucumber
- Beetroot
- A fresh green salad
Weckewerk is a beloved part of the food culture in Northern Hesse. It's a hearty and flavorful dish that shows off the region's traditional cooking.
