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Authentic Sheftalies – Cypriot Grilled Sausage

Sheftalies are the beloved Cypriot BBQ sausage — seasoned ground pork wrapped in caul fat and grilled over charcoal until golden and irresistible. A staple of Cypriot grilling culture.
Servings 4 servings (~12 sheftalies)
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Chilling Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 50 minutes

Ingredients

For the Meat Mixture:

  • 2 lb ground pork 80/20 fat ratio
  • 1 medium onion grated
  • 1/2 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley finely chopped
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp dried mint optional
  • 1/4 tsp ground allspice optional

For the Wrapping:

  • 8 oz pork caul fat soaked in cold salted water for 30 minutes, drained

Instructions

  • Prepare the caul fat: Place the caul fat in a large bowl of cold salted water and soak for 30 minutes. Drain and gently pat dry. Carefully unroll and spread it flat on a clean work surface. Cut into approximately 15cm x 15cm squares.
  • Make the meat mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, grated onion, chopped parsley, cinnamon, salt, black pepper, and dried mint and allspice if using. Mix well with your hands until all ingredients are evenly combined. Do not over-mix.
  • Chill the mixture: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and makes the mixture easier to shape.
  • Shape the sheftalies: Take a piece of caul fat and lay it flat. Place approximately 2 tablespoons of meat mixture near the center and shape into a small oval sausage about 8cm long. Wrap the caul fat snugly around the meat, folding in the sides as you roll. Repeat with remaining mixture. Place on a tray, cover and refrigerate until ready to grill.
  • Grill the sheftalies: Prepare a charcoal grill for medium-high heat. Grill the sheftalies for 8 to 10 minutes, turning every 2 to 3 minutes, until the caul fat is golden and crisp and the internal temperature reaches 160F (71C). Avoid pressing down on them while grilling.
  • Rest and serve: Remove from the grill and rest for 3 minutes. Serve immediately in warm pita bread with fresh lemon wedges, tzatziki, sliced tomatoes, and a sprinkle of dried oregano.
Author: Nikolaos Saragias
Calories: 612kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Cypriot, Mediterranean
Keyword: caul fat, cypriot sausage, cyprus recipe, grilled pork, mediterranean bbq, sheftalies

Nutrition

Calories: 612kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 39g | Fat: 48g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 21g | Cholesterol: 163mg | Sodium: 714mg | Potassium: 740mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 655IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 56mg | Iron: 3mg