Sausage Making 101 - Zarra's Restaurant - Pittsburgh, PA

[@1hillbilly]

It's people like you that make America great. God bless you and your family. Your patient with your father.

[@Zarraspgh]

Thank you.

[@uncletreefrog]

My grandparents, my dad, and aunts lived on Larimer Ave. and when I was a little kid I lived on Lincoln Ave., that's when Pittsburgh Hospital used to be there. I enjoy your videos as I enjoy cooking too. I was pleasantly surprised to stumble onto your video.

[@meltcmelinda4012]

All I have to say, is thank you for showing the respect to your Dad, he is quite a character as he added some color here and there. As for the sausage, I love the video, you are a saint for working under the conditions you were in and kept your video rolling and kept making that great sausage.

[@dalzamora222]

I showed this to my daughters for two reasons. The sausage and the respect you have for your dad. Bless you.

[@donnyzarra]

I'm glad you liked the video. Thanks for watching. DZ

[@SteveGruver]

Donny: One the BEST videos I've seen making Italian Sausage! I appreciate you taking the time to walk the viewer through every step of the process.

[@Zarraspgh]

Thanks Steve. I'm glad you enjoyed the video.

[@tman50551]

i just saw your video and it was good. i appreciate the respect you showed your dad, even though i thought he disrespected you few times, i admire your patience. after all dads will be dads and moms will be moms. i look forward to some more of your videos

[@donnyzarra]

+tman50551 Thank you. My Father does test my patience on the regular. LOL

[@ls-888]

​@@donnyzarrathat's why God blessed you with extra patience 😊 you're awesome!

[@ls-888]

Great tutorial video! Happy New Year 2024❗🎉

[@Buzzwire]

Great video Donny. Your attention to detail when trimming and preparing the meat for grinding is spot on. The extra efforts you make at the beginning shows well in the finished product. Your father is an awesome character too.

[@RealPeterGunn]

You have no idea how much I enjoyed your video. I clicked on it to watch the recipe and instead I watched and LOVED your family. I cant wait to make my own sausage. Thank You so much for your video and May God Bless!!

[@donnyzarra]

Thank you Peter. May God bless you and your family as well. Donny Z

[@nursebridgie]

I make about 50-60lbs of various sausages twice a week at the meat market where I work, and this video is really going to help me step up my game (I was super happy to see you adding water to help soften up the spices and mix everything - I thought that was my secret 🤪)! Lots of insider tips and tricks! Thank you!

[@Zarraspgh]

Yes, adding the water to soften and distribute the spices makes all of the differences.

[@raymondnash2240]

Hi Ive watched quiet a few sausage making videos now on here and this in my opinion is the best, in a real Restaurant not staged in someones kitchen and its great that your Dad is there it makes it more real and alive. Dads still boss !

[@BrandenHayes]

Donny! JZ’s pharmacy friend from Atlanta. I loved the video. Stumbled on it looking for tips on making my own sausage. Started watching and said out loud, “damn, I know that family!” But that was the best instructional video on sausage that I’ve seen to date. Great to see you, Mom, Dad... glad y’all are doing well. Keep up the good work in that family business!

[@Zarraspgh]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video. Hope to see you when you're in town again. DZ

[@thomasgargano8813]

Thank you for your love of making Italian sausage, your video shows your love of your Family. I just loved your father making faces in back ground,that was pure love. Good luck with all your adventures and your restaurant.👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍻🍻🍻🍻🍻🍻🍻🍻🍻👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸👍

[@Zarraspgh]

LOL. I'm glad you liked it, make sure to check out our other videos.

[@guyparris4871]

I really appreciate this video. Your professionalism and demeanor is awesome... Gas stations have customers....restaurants have guests!

[@donnyzarra]

Thanks Guy. I appreciate your kind comments. Stop in to visit. -Donny Zarra

[@christinerauch2817]

Awesome! I can't wait to try this recipe! Your dad is a smart ass and hilarious! Great video, wish I lived close enough to visit!

[@durbanboy101]

Awesome video Donny, I'm going to try out your recipe. Hey mate, i must say, you are man of such humility, you listened to Dad without even getting upset, gee you"re the man. Your dads a champ, i'm sure he only means good. Yep learn all that you can from mum and dad and love them unconditionally, cos they will not always be around. I loved your video and your integrity. I would love to visit one day. All the best from Down Under. Cheers Mate.

[@donnyzarra]

I appreciate your kind and respectful words Jay. That would be awesome to meet up one day. Cheers! Donny Z

[@fin1740]

jay, I've just read your reply. There are always a lot of sarcastic statements made; Comments that would be better left unwritten, but you really know the meaning of family! Different countries, different cultures; And the culture of family is pure Italian! No need to say more.....

[@gretchentyree1203]

How do you prepare the cased sausages; boil, fry up, bake, smoke? This was totally instructive and loving.

[@donnyzarra]

All of the above

[@bernardhaywood518]

thank you for sharing your expertise. will await other videos

[@theterminator3509]

That really is a lot of work but perfection doesn't come easy. Good Bless this hard working Italian Family!!!

[@donnyzarra]

It's a labor of Love. Thank you, - Donny Zarra

[@batonrouge6446]

Awesome tutorial! 100% authentic & professional.

[@Zarraspgh]

Than you.

[@roberthaddad5785]

Donny, and entire family, thank you for making and sharing this great video. Wonderful family. Looking forward to making a stop at your restaurant on my next trip to Pittsburgh.

[@donnyzarra]

Thank you very much. I'm glad you enjoyed the video. We hope to meet you soon. Donny Zarra and family

[@rickgagne3996]

the best cooking video I have ever seen.

[@Zarraspgh]

Wow. That's a great compliment. Thank you.

[@benjamingleason9616]

I really enjoyed this. I like how you showed going to select the meat at the warehouse. I bet that is one of the most fun parts about running a successful restaurant- picking out the best ingredients and choosing foods for specials, etc.

[@donnyzarra]

Thanks for taking time to write Benjamin. I do enjoy shopping for the ingredients. That's when I find the inspiration for Specials. Donny Z

[@friskyk2634]

Donny Zarra only thing is what if your arm hair falls in it

[@donnyzarra]

We are very thorough with our pre-kitchen scrub. This eliminates bacterial, and any unwanted "ingredients". Thanks for your concern. DZ

[@vinnie123]

Wow. Just stumbled on this video in May 2020 in the middle of a global pandemic. I grew up in the restaurant business from about 8 to 28. Worked with my parents, Nonno's and Nonna's and Zia's. It was an amazing experience and I'm forever grateful to my family for that opportunity. This video just brought back so many good memories and your Dad just had me howling. I hope your family and your business continue to do well. Thanks.

[@Zarraspgh]

It's a lot of work and it's frustrating sometimes, but it certainly rewarding and nice to be around my family.

[@polarman1119]

Awesome video !!!! Thanks for the detail and the commentary, your family is great, Thank you!

[@Snapset1]

Excellent video, thanks for taking the time to make it, and thank you also for sharing your knowledge. You have a great family dynamic in your kitchen. You should consider making a TV show. I know I'd watch.

[@donnyzarra]

I appreciate your comment. Thank you Mark. Donny Z

[@jesnmaj]

I am watching this with my husband trying to show interest with making sausage. I will have to say that I enjoyed the video because of your dad. He had me laughing. Thanks for including him.

[@vk3583]

OMG! Love the dad, reminds me of my own dad. I also grew up working in an Italian restaurant with my parents in Omaha, NE. We are Sicilian, my dad made a ton of sausage every week. Now it is my turn to make it.

[@Zarraspgh]

Very Cool. It's a labor of love for sure.

[@ryanchamp10105]

thanks for the video I'm gonna try making my own sausage ,I'm from upstate ny and your dad reminded me of my dad ,things were different back when they were growing up,i did get a chuckle out of it but always respect your father they aren't here forever.if I ever come down your way ill stop in thanks again.

[@Zarraspgh]

Thank you. Hope to see you at Zarra's Restaurant.

[@mprrx]

Pretty soon to the adventure of sausage making. You brought me back to my restaurant hospitality training. Thank you.

[@vilmad007]

Really love your Dad. You guys seem like a nice family. Loved this video.

[@donnyzarra]

+vilmad007 Thanks. We have fun. I'm glad you enjoyed.

[@richcawley855]

I plan on stopping in next trip to Pittsburgh. I love your patience with your Dad but Dad always knows best.

[@Zarraspgh]

Thanks. We hope to meet you soon. DZ

[@vissitorsteve]

Love the video. Very thorough and informative...and your father is such a character!

[@Zarraspgh]

We appreciate you tuning in. Hopefully we will me you one day at Zarra's Restaurant.

[@bowjoe76]

Great video! Very real and a family heritage in action. Thank you for not only teaching me some tricks but the glimpse at a loving family too! Salute'

[@donnyzarra]

Thaks Joe. Hopefully you can make it in one evening for dinner. Donny Zarra

[@stevemarchitto]

Great video Donny! You seem very passionate about cooking, and it shows in the time and care you put into making the sausages. Wish you all the best!

[@donnyzarra]

Thank you Steve. We have a lot of fun.

[@dominicvoonshianchee8407]

Extremely clean and hygienic kitchen.

[@Zarraspgh]

Thank you, even though the kitchen is old we take pride in keeping everything spotless and we maintain a very high standing with the health department.

[@kevinb.2249]

Once again what an awesome video, and 1 the fact you shared the recipe is key, 2 running water through the casing to take the twist out, too cool!

[@donnyzarra]

Thanks Kevin. Good luck with your next batch.

[@tzxj3n]

Great demonstration on how to make sausage. Enjoyed it, Thanks!

[@donnyzarra]

+tzxj3n Thanks for taking time to watch and thank you again for writing a review.

[@brandon_gb]

Great video.the sausage looks great. Good to see a family business doing well.

[@donnyzarra]

+Brandon Brock Thanks Brandon. We try our hardest to share our passion with those who can come into our establishment. I'm glad you appreciate our work. Thanks for watching. Donny Zarra

[@andrepatterson7058]

Great content and video. Awesome 101 of sausage making..

[@dcavalierproduction]

Your dad is awesome! Nice vid, thx for sharing.

[@Zarraspgh]

Thanks Daniel. I'm glad to hear you like our video. Please share it with your friends and family and when you have a chance check out our other videos. Happy New Year.

[@mikew1956]

Hi Donny. My family and I moved from the Pittsburgh area about 5 years ago to TN. Unfortunately, I discovered your restaurant on You Tube after we moved. I loved this video. When me and the family come back to visit this summer, you're on the list. Look forward to trying your food. Seems like a great family owned business.

[@Zarraspgh]

We hope to see you this summer Mike. Thank you.

[@thevoice464]

Ill be there july 27th for my bday itll be our first time in pittsburgh. I am italian from canada but my family is between roma and napoli a little town called ceprano in the ciociaria lazio region...i grew up eating all homemade food and wine....ill make sure to have a bday dinner with my wife here and ill bring some cigars as well...all the best i love the video and the old man is right up my alley lol

[@Zarraspgh]

Did you make it to Zarra's for your Birthday?

[@lkapigian]

I so love this video, been watching it for years

[@CC-te5zf]

The old man is a hoot! Traditional, old school Italian. Love it!

[@Zarraspgh]

Thank you, he appears on some of our other videos as well. Check them out.

[@djsjrski]

Excellent Job !!!!… You guys need a TV show.. I'd watch just to hear Dad talk...

[@SunyJim]

Great video, thanks for sharing your family recipe with us!

[@jimathoneybellfarms6969]

Very excellent video, two thumbs up, you took it from the raw meat to the table, great job, hope your family is well and enjoying the new year. Thank you so much! Jim.

[@Zarraspgh]

Thanks Jim. Happy New Year.

[@jasongarmon2595]

Your dad coming into the video is the BEST part! haha

[@Zarraspgh]

Thanks for watching and taking time to comment. We have other videos on here, please check them out and share.

[@kenpamanian9428]

i love the realness of your dad

[@johnpowell4415]

Loved your family intro, I subscribed straight away after that. Thanks for sharing, love from Australia

[@mrpumpupaudio]

your dad is really the boss . keep up the work ....love the video ...

[@Zarraspgh]

Thank you. DZ

[@micmike]

I've watched your video a few times now and enjoy your explanation of sausage making. You know what your doing, thanks again for sharing

[@Zarraspgh]

I appreciate that. I was taught by the best. My Dad showed me everything I know about sausage making.

[@kellywall4087]

You know how much I enjoy the sausage and I loved watching how it is made. Well done Donny! I have a new appreciation from this behind the scenes view.

[@Zarraspgh]

If you and Mike ever have a chance, you can come and help me make a batch one day.

[@realhwddet9197]

Thank you, sir. A very clear and informative video.

[@fwrotte]

Good video. Thanks for making and sharing it.

[@elizabethgiordano4052]

Great video, really enjoyed watching it, very informative, I would like to know I I can freeze this sausages and how long can I freeze them for!

[@Zarraspgh]

We roll the sausage into one gallon Zip Lock Freezer bags. I would say for a month.... maybe two? We never have it past two weeks though.

[@PsoriasisChannel]

Awesome video guy. We love givers like you. Thank you.

[@truthseeker3977]

Donny, that was an awesome technique you shared. I could taste it as it sizzled. Your dad is a golden gem too. Did I say you guys were terrific? I would have enjoyed seeing you put the sausage in the ziploc bag. Lol. Again, you and your dad are terrific! Have you ever heard of the phrase, "often imitated and never to duplicated"? Genuine! Will try to mix this ASAP and thank you from Louisiana!

[@BigSnipp]

20:37 Pops has the best description on how firm the sausage should feel. lmao

[@Zarraspgh]

Thanks for tuning in. Please check out our other videos.

[@pubwvj]

You are amazing working there with your mom and dad helping you with the movie! Love it. Excellent job on the sausage making and family making.

[@donschlottmann3702]

I love Dad. Looks like he kicked some butt in his day.. Great that these traditions are passed down, so many great things get lost with people not taking interest.

[@Zarraspgh]

Thank you. Tradition is very important to us.

[@mrspezz1]

Enjoyed so much. Reminds me of my days in Bradys Bend when Aunt Emma Pezzutis made sausage.

[@donnyzarra]

Hopefully you have a chance to visit our restaurant one day. Thanks for watching. Donny Z

[@Edwardtangly923]

Bless your father! Great video! I now know what my sausage should feel like when stuffing them!

[@Zarraspgh]

LOL. Thanks for watching.

[@MegaDharmon]

Great video! Will eat at your restaurant next time I'm in Pittsburgh.

[@Zarraspgh]

Thanks, hope to see you soon. DZ

[@cesarbarboza1170]

congrats and thanks for showing you secrets to have a tasty sausage.....from Peru..Cesar

[@Zarraspgh]

Thank you Cesar.

[@athopi]

Good vid! I admire your patience amid that chaos and commentary!

[@arcturusbbqsausagemaking2435]

Great video If I was in your area I would definitely eat at your restaurant, Great Quality control ,Hygiene ,And the proof is in the pudding Great job Thank you for taking the time to film and sharing with us Have a great Holiday....God bless

[@Zarraspgh]

Thanks for tuning in and taking time to comment. I hope you have a chance to visit our restaurant in Pittsburgh one day. Merry Christmas, Donny Zarra and family

[@YvonneSmith]

I LIKED THE WAY YOU RESPECTED YOUR SHOW OFF DAD. GREAT INTERGENERATIONAL CLIP

[@Zarraspgh]

Thank you Yvonne.

[@EarlLedden]

Great vid with full explanations. I'm curious, why add olive oil to the skillet? Doesn't the sausage have enough fat to eliminate the need for olive oil?

[@donnyzarra]

+Earl Ledden You only need a little bit of Olive Oil Earl. Just get the oil nice and hot before you put the sausage into the skillet. Be careful not to make it too hot, because you will burn the oil and ruin the sausage.

[@ericwooden7304]

Thanks for sharing this. I am just getting into sausage making and you gave me a lot of good information. Your dad is hilarious and a real firecracker!

[@Zarraspgh]

Thank you.

[@Zarraspgh]

Thanks, please make sure to watch our other videos.

[@GarthGoldberg]

The meat-cutting instruction part of this video is really good.

[@Zarraspgh]

Thank. you

[@josephrichards3667]

Great video, great family.

[@Zarraspgh]

Thank you.

[@enielsondasilva4964]

Great video!!! Did you forgot to introduce your brother or was intentionally? And I love you dad man!!!! “You don’t have to show how to put in bag”! Italian families are the best!!

[@Zarraspgh]

He's not my brother. He was a temporary worker and I just wanted to show my family and my Dad made him stand in the video. I wasn't happy about it.

[@matthewmckenzie8508]

Great video ! Just one question, what quantity of salt & sugar per pound of meat ? Cheers..

[@Zarraspgh]

1 cup for every sixty pounds.

[@matthewmckenzie8508]

@@Zarraspgh Thank you, cheers !!

[@WhatWeDoChannel]

If I were ever in Pittsburgh I would come and eat at your restaurant! I think you have a lot of patience!

[@yourhighness4746]

YOU ARE THE BEST, I HAVE THE PRIVILEGE TO HAVE A GREAT SONS AND DAUGHTER THAT ARE LIKE YOU, YOU SO POLITE AND RESPECTFUL WITH YOUR DAD, YOU MAKE MY DAY. IS A GIFT FROM GOD TO BE HUMBLE AND RESPECTFUL AND YOU HAVE BOTH, IN PLUS OF YOUR ABILITY TO COMMUNICATE AND VULGARISE INSTRUCTIONS AND ACTIONS. AND THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE MASTER CLASS, IS YOU ( learn step by step through making homemade Calabrese style Italian Sausage.) I JUST BOUGHT MY STUFFER AND I NEED A TRAINING, YOU ARE A WONDERFUL TEACHER. THIS IS THE FIRST AND LAST VIDEO I NEED IT. I'M READY TO MAKE SAUSAGE. THANK YOU AGAIN AND KEEP YOUR GREAT VIDEOS I LOVE YOUR JOB, YOU DESERVE MILLIONS OF FOLLOWERS AND MY 10,00000 LIKES.

[@Zarraspgh]

Wow, thanks for the great compliments. I hope you have a chance to visit us one day at Zarra's Restaurant. Check out our other videos and please share them. God Bless

[@CirclesOfFaith]

LOL .. Excellent presentation.. thank you for your video and taking time to share it.. and btw love ya family.. the uniqueness of everyone's personality is what makes families families .. I like people who are "themselves" .. fully enjoyed your video in more ways than one - It had "life" love and all dat jazz.. looking forward into trying ya recipe..tell your family thank you too for sharing..you all made my night .. lol.. (reminded me of my dad lol I miss him) Aloha - Lynn

[@MrCmcag1]

My new favorite. You guys are off the hook!!! Too bad I live in LA. If I ever make it out there, I’ll be visiting.

[@brentanoschool]

Love your video, systematic, concise, informative. Parents are from Ukraine, grew up in Chicago, (Italian neighborhood) - now reside in Carnegie - developed a love for all kinds of sausage and deli products - (miss the deep dish pizza and Chicago hot dog) - will have to visit your establishment soon!

[@donnyzarra]

Steve, If you can find some Smith Hot Dogs you will love them. We put ketchup on our dogs in da "burgh though. LOL

[@brentanoschool]

Wowe, It"s mustard. then dog, onion, relish,3 tomato wedges, A cucumber or pickel spear on the other side and 2 sport peppers in each end- to die for, where do you find a Smith dog, I found the Brighton dog to be unbelievable, flavorful, no fillers. Thanks! Steve from Carnegie.

[@davidmitchell6327]

Awesome I love all of this video as I am a old man like your pop if I get the chance we will visit your restaurant thanks so much

[@martybeingessner5017]

Hey Donny !. Your video is by far the best video on KZbin for sausage making (love it) & love seeing your folks in it !. I'm a sausage maker from Canada that goes by (The sausageMeister) I just put out on KZbin a tutorial for fun (but your video rocks)!!!!. If I go to Pittsburgh I'm coming to your restaurant & trying your food (I love Italian food)!!. Marty

[@donnyzarra]

Thank you. I'll make it a point to look up your youtube channel.

[@dawgOnU]

Your dad is the best!!!!!

[@donnyzarra]

Thanks for watching Dennis. DZ

[@michaelangel6201]

Great video, very informative and professional...I obtained some real pointers from this...Thanks

[@donnyzarra]

+Michael Angel I appreciate you taking time to write some kind words. Thank you Michael.

[@MattRiddell]

This is a fantastic video. Not that I'd ever cook that much at home but looks awesome and if I ever make it as far as Pittsburg I'll definitely head over for a bite!

[@donnyzarra]

+Matt Riddell I'm glad you enjoyed the video Matt, and we hope to see you at Zarra's restaurant soon. DZ

[@shawnahelton5668]

Thanks, this is really cool to watch.

[@Zarraspgh]

Thank you.

[@cezarmonteiro5274]

At the frame 11:48 secunds, you say (whole fenon?) I am not sure if i heard right. Can you, please, explain what it is. I would like to know the translation to portuguesa. Thank you.

[@Zarraspgh]

Whole Fennel Seed

[@lindaperrier7300]

Thank you for the info.Very well done and easy to follow.If ever I'm in Pittsburgh'.

[@hm2mahoney]

Nice video!Your dad is great!

[@Tonnsfabrication]

That stuffing table setup is awesome.

[@Zarraspgh]

Yes, it is very efficient. Thanks for watching.

[@KenTeague72]

awesome tutorial. thanks for sharing.

[@donnyzarra]

Thanks Ken, I'm happy that you enjoyed the tutorial. I appreciate you taking time to write. Please check out my other videos. DZ

[@bryanadams256]

I saw another video where they pricked many holes in them. To prick or not to prick? Also, could you tell us how much spices per lb of meat.

[@Zarraspgh]

I don't really like to poke holes into my casings unless I have a really big air pocket. It's good to eliminate holes, especially if you are going to be cold smoking or curing sausage, because it helps reduce the chance of bacterial growth. If you are going to cold smoke or cure sausage you should also use curing salts. If you would like to oder a package of my spice mix please message me on facebook. Thank you.

[@gentlemensedge5503]

Great video! Nice lively family. Your kitchen reminds me of our family restaurant. I'll be trying your family recipe but on a much smaller scale!

[@Zarraspgh]

Thank you for taking time to watch my video and thank you for your polite comment.

[@waltervanallen4002]

Wow this is a really great video. I love how you took us with you to pick out the meat. Really enjoyed watching.

[@albertvalencia4968]

I love grandpas input!!!

[@raywilson5093]

Ray from Cali .A really great vedio ,just what I needed to learn on the process . Really looking forward to making your sausage

[@neilchavarria858]

hi, guys is my pleasure send you hi from my land of lakes and vulcanoes. Great video about the calabresi sausage, hey big guy put more videos you are a great star. Me I did an italian, mexican, argentino and nicaraguan sausage and the people liked it. but I never did Calabresi. Thanks and Congratulations

[@percmanDOTcom]

Nice, added to my favorites

[@benjaminunderwood12]

If I'm not mistaken by the way very good job love it your recipe is nice and I've done it many many times but it just dawned on me that you were on the Gordon Ramsay show good time thanks again wonderful jobs

[@Zarraspgh]

Thanks. We appreciate you tuning in.

[@belltoddt]

Thanks for the video very informative,

[@donnyzarra]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video. Thank you. Donny Zarra

[@plind67]

Hi Donny, I came across your video on making sausage and think it's outstanding. My wife and I are about to do our own sausage and want to use your family homemade recipe. What we are unsure of, is how much of the sugar, salt, spicy red pepper, and fennel would we use for making only 5 lbs at a time. Thank you.

[@Zarraspgh]

Send me an email and I'll see what I can do to help you out. DZ

[@ryanjones4891]

@@Zarraspgh Amazing video and so glad I stumbled across it. I sent a FB message and will email I have the same question. Thanks

[@marcellocerasuolo8158]

@@Zarraspgh hi just seen your video on making sausage. I would love to try your recipe. Do you have a break down on the spices per pound of meat please?