On the coast, we call them Morcillas; in the interior of the country, they call them Rellenas. For this recipe, I traveled to the small town of Candelaria on the outskirts of Cali, where they say the best Rellenas are prepared. Isabel Gelpud invited us in to watch, learn, and take lots of pictures. After seeing the whole process done in a very homey style, hand-made and very clean, I was positively surprised. These sausages are mostly herbs, and the raw mixture is beautifully colored. They are definitely an acquired taste, but once you do like them, they are great! On the third floor of her house, Isabel grows many of the herbs we used, and here for the first time I saw large leaf oregano (about 2 inches long!) that she says is called Oreganon. Pork blood can be ordered through your butcher or meat market.
In a medium pot place the pork fat and sauté the scallion for 5 minutes. Add the chard, pork fat from the casings, salt, garlic, bouillon cube, and color. Cook for 5 minutes more. Set aside and cool.

In a small pot, over medium heat place the rice, whole scallion, lard, and salt; sauté for 1 minute. Add 1½ cups of water, bring to a boil and simmer until you can see the rice on the surface. Lower the heat to minimum, cover, and cook for 15 minutes. Uncover, fluff with a fork, remove the whole scallion, and set aside to cool completely.
In a very large mixing bow,l mix the cooked scallions, prepared rice, thyme, cilantro, cimarrón, mint, oregano, and poleo with the blood. The amount of blood is only enough to moisten all the other ingredients; the mixture should be wet but not runny.
Fill the casings with the mixture. Tie carefully with string.

In a large pot place 3½ quarts of water, the 2 bouillon cubes, cilantro, cimarron, oregano, and salt, and bring to a boil. Simmer for 15 minutes.
Drop the sausages into the simmering stock and cook for 30 minutes or until they release clear juices when poked.

Remove from the pot, discard the stock, and set aside to cool. Refrigerate for later use, or barbecue or fry just enough to reheat and serve.

Chef Coach, Food Nutritionist and Cook in Love with Latin Food, Author of six cookbooks. 40+ years of Experience in the Food Industry & Nutrition
...& the Science of Food
