Metworst

Rooted in the Netherlands, Metworst is a sausage enjoyed for generations. The dish is built around pork and sausage.

Metworst is a traditional Dutch dried sausage, typically made from coarsely ground pork (and sometimes beef) that is seasoned with salt, pepper, and spices like nutmeg or cloves, then air-dried. Its origins are debated, as it stems from the ancient European practice of preserving meat through curing and drying, but it has been a staple of Dutch farmhouse cooking for centuries, with each region favoring slight variations in grind, spice, and drying time.

Culturally, metworst is a beloved snack in the Netherlands, often sliced thin and served with cheese or eaten as a bar snack with mustard. It is a common sight at informal gatherings (borrels) and is frequently enjoyed alongside bread or as a hearty addition to a cold lunch plate, reflecting a deep-rooted national appreciation for simple, preserved meats.