Can any one estimate approximately, how much, by weight, the sausage is?

Hopefully you will hear from Erin, who can tell you what she used. However, my local market sells sausages in casing which weigh anywhere from 3 1/2 ounces up to 8 ounces, depending on the type, flavor and meat. The sausage itself is a flavor addition, which the grain itself doesn't rely on for moisture or cooking. So you could opt to use as little or as much as you felt like. I've made it with breakfast links, and used 8 little links which I chopped up, and I've made it with chicken sausages which were about 5-6 ounces each for a light lunch dish. Use what you think it appropriate for your needs. I imagine for 4 servings, anything from 12 ounces to one pound of sausage links would be sufficient- but again, it depends on what you think best.