A is for Andouillette

What is it? 

Andouillette is a coarse sausage made from pig’s intestines and flavoured with wine, onions, herbs and spices.  

Where’s it from? 

Nobody knows exactly when andouillettes were invented but they date back to at least the 12^th century. They can be found across France, the most famous variety coming from Troyes in the Aube department (Grand Est). 

What’s it famous for? 

Its pong. No two ways about it, if you make something from a pig’s colon, it’s going to smell of… well, let’s just leave it there. Fans adore the smell – the uninitiated tend to be less enamoured, as Hollywood actors Stanley Tucci and Meryl Streep discovered first-hand when they ordered some in a French restaurant during the filming of Julie and Julia, thinking they’d be similar to andouille sausage. Check out Tucci’s fruitily honest appraisal on YouTube (and pardon his French). 

How do you say it? 

Ahndwee-ett. 

Where can I buy it? 

In France you will find it in shops and on the menu in restaurants – but beware: if you’ve never tried it before you may prefer your first taste to be in private rather than in front of amused locals. And if you really can’t wait for your next trip to France to experience the famous odeur, a French online supermarket which delivers within the UK is selling andouillettes de Troyes for £6.29 for 300g. A price not to be sniffed at. In the USA, Marky’s is offering them online at $20 for 1lb, promising the “unique and delicious flavour profile will definitely add some French flair to your next BBQ”.  

Can I make it at home? 

Not unless you’re a butcher and even then, we wouldn’t recommend it. 

Where can I find out more? 

Check out the Association Amicale des Amateurs d’Andouillette Authentique who love nothing more than chewing the fat about their favourite sausage. 

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Lead photo credit : Andouillettes... an acquired taste © Shutterstock