Hungarian Hurka (Liver Sausage) Recipe

Hungarian Hurka, especially Májas Hurka, is a traditional Hungarian sausage made with pork liver, pork, rice, onions, and aromatic spices. It is one of the classic dishes associated with Hungarian disznótor, the traditional winter pig-slaughtering feast.

Rich, savory, and deeply comforting, hurka is usually served hot alongside mustard, fresh bread, pickles, and other traditional Hungarian sides. The combination of creamy liver, seasoned pork, tender rice, and caramelized onion gives this sausage its unmistakable character.

What Is Hungarian Hurka?

The word hurka refers to a family of Hungarian sausages traditionally made from cooked pork ingredients.

The two best-known varieties are:

  • Májas hurka – liver sausage, made with pork liver and other pork ingredients
  • Véres hurka – blood sausage, traditionally made with pork blood, rice, and seasonings

This recipe focuses on májas hurka, the liver-based version.

Unlike many commercial sausages, traditional hurka has a soft, coarse texture rather than a firm, finely emulsified texture.


Ingredients

For the Hurka

  • 1½ lb pork liver
  • 1 lb pork shoulder or fatty pork
  • 1½ cups cooked white rice
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons sweet Hungarian paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
  • 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • ½ teaspoon ground allspice, optional
  • ½ cup pork broth or cooking liquid
  • Natural hog casings

For Cooking

  • Water or pork broth
  • A little pork fat or lard, optional

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