Sometimes referred to as leberwurst, liverwurst is a spicy cooked sausage that is made with a mixture of ground liver and pork, seasoned with a select range of spices and plenty of onions. The high content of liver in the finished product has earned it the name of "liver sausage" in some parts of the world.
After the ingredients are combined and cooked in some manner, liverwurst can be used in both cold and hot recipes. One very popular option for use of it is in a dish that is known as Braunschweiger. This recipe calls for slicing or chopping the sausage into sections or pinwheels and adding some other smoked meat into the pan, such as slabs of bacon. The two meat products are sauteed until both are browned and the flavors are thoroughly intermingled. Braunschweiger can be eaten as an entree, or the mixture can be served over pasta or a selection of cooked vegetables.
Another common favorite use of this sausage is in the preparation of a tasty spread that can be enjoyed on a variety of different types of bread or crackers. It's usually served either slightly chilled or at room temperature. The spread is a favorite as home buffets and as a simple snack when friends drop by.
Perhaps the most common use of liverwurst is in the preparation of a sandwich. Often, thick slices are paired with tasty breads, such as pumpernickel. The fillers on the sandwich will vary from location to location, but it is not unusual for sauerkraut and several kinds of cheeses to be included. Spicy mustards often add another layer of flavor to the sandwich, which is often completed by toasting the bread and allowing the cheese to melt slightly.
As a prepared meat, liverwurst tends to keep well in a refrigerator. It's an easy option in cooked meals or as a quick snack, or the basis for a great tasting sandwich.
