Calories in Andouille Sausage

Andouille sausage is prepared from pork, pepper, and garlic. These are ground together, smoked, and then prepared into what are also known as link sausages. Originally a French creation, Andouille sausage has been adapted to Cajun cooking in the United States of America & is prepared by combining pork meat and fat with crushed garlic, salt and black pepper.

It is then smoked over pecan wood and sugar cane to infuse delicious flavors into it. It is not necessary that this sausage only be store bought and can also be prepared at home.

In its American form, andouille sausage is quite spicy and is added to a variety of dishes for flavor. As delicious as it is, it is important to know how many calories this sausage contains, so that you can balance your meals out when you use these.

• One single link of andouille sausage that weighs about 76 grams contains 220 calories.
• The carbohydrate amount in a single link is low, and stands at only 3 grams.
• The total fat contained in one such link is 19 grams, which is quite a high amount.
• The protein contained in this amount is 10 grams.

While this sausage is a low-carbohydrate and high-protein food, it is also rich in fats, which must be kept to a minimum when attempting to lead a healthy lifestyle.

Andouille sausages can be enjoyed in a healthy manner by combining them with other low calorie, low-fat foods and getting the best of both worlds. Here are some suggestions that you can enjoy:

• Make a traditional sausage sandwich with grilled andouille sausage, very lightly fried onions and peppers, and enjoy it with multi-grain bread.
• Instead of ham, add chunks of andouille sausage to a warm, delicious bowl of split pea soup, lentil soup, or black bean soup.

• Prepare a delicious bed of pasta (spaghetti, penne, or any pasta of your choice) topped with andouille sausage stir fried in freshly crushed garlic along with white wine, tomato puree, some arugula leaves, and a dash of paprika.

• Add andouille sausage to a delicious vegetable or bean stew to give it just the right amount of flavor!
• Make healthy dumplings by finely chopping this sausage and combining it with some red and green peppers, onions and garlic along with a little salt and pepper.

• In a skillet, pour little olive oil, slice andouille sausage into rounds, and add small chunks of potatoes to it. Add a dash of paprika and salt to this preparation, and allow these ingredients to brown. Once browned, enjoy!

These are just a few simple ways in which you can enjoy this delicious sausage. Of course, there is the traditional Jambalaya dish where andouille sausage is the main ingredient. Remember that such recipes are high in calories and should not be consumed too often if you are on a weight loss regime.

Now if you don't have andouille sausage at hand, you may safely use a substitute such as the Mexican chorizo sausage. These may vary not only in taste, but also in calorie content.

As has been mentioned earlier, in order to enjoy these sausages, don't overeat them, and combine them with other healthier meals so that your calorie intake in a day does not go out of line. Once you can manage that, there is no reason why you shouldn't be able to enjoy meals prepared with this wonderfully delicious food.

Disclaimer: This story is for informational purposes only and does not attempt to replace the advice of a nutrition expert.