Zesty Pickled Sausages
Indulge in a tangy, flavorful treat with these Zesty Pickled Sausages! This recipe, cherished by my husband for years, has been a staple for our family gatherings and fishing trips. Infused with a medley of aromatic spices, these pickled sausages bring a delightful crunch and a burst of flavor in every bite. Perfect as an appetizer or a unique snack, they pair wonderfully with saltine crackers and serve as an excellent addition to any picnic or potluck. Enjoy the convenience of this easy-to-make recipe, which allows you to use a variety of pre-cooked smoked meats. Just remember, the longer they sit, the more flavor they absorb, so plan to make them a day in advance for the best results!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Water
4 cups (none)
Vinegar
3 cups (none)
Medium onion
1 (diced)
Garlic cloves
4-5 (diced)
Salt
2 tablespoons (none)
Sugar
1 tablespoon (none)
Whole allspice
12 (none)
Alum
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Coriander
1 teaspoon (none)
Mustard seeds
1 teaspoon (none)
Hot pepper
1 (diced)
Bay leaves
4 (none)
Turmeric
1 dash (none)
Hot dogs
20 (cut into 1 to 2 inch pieces)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, combine the water, vinegar, diced onion, diced garlic, salt, sugar, allspice, alum, coriander, mustard seeds, diced hot pepper, bay leaves, and turmeric.
2
Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar and salt.
3
Add the hot dogs (or your choice of sausages) to the pot and allow them to boil for 5-7 minutes, ensuring they are heated through and infused with flavor.
4
Carefully remove the pot from heat and let the mixture cool for a few minutes.
5
Transfer the hot dogs and pickling liquid into sterilized jars, making sure the sausages are fully submerged in the liquid.
6
Seal the jars and refrigerate them overnight to allow the flavors to meld and develop.
7
Serve chilled or at room temperature as a zesty snack with saltine crackers, or use as a topping for other dishes.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zesty Pickled Sausages?
Zesty Pickled Sausages are a tangy and flavorful treat made by pickling sausages in a spiced brine, often served as an appetizer or snack.
What kind of meat should I use for this recipe?
You can use 20 hot dogs or your choice of pre-cooked smoked meats cut into 1 to 2 inch pieces.
How long do the sausages need to sit before serving?
For the best results, you should refrigerate the sealed jars overnight to allow the flavors to meld and develop.
What makes these sausages crunchy?
The addition of 1/4 teaspoon of alum in the pickling liquid helps provide a delightful crunch to the sausages.
What are the primary ingredients in the pickling liquid?
The brine consists of 4 cups of water, 3 cups of vinegar, salt, sugar, and a variety of aromatic spices.
How do I prepare the onion and garlic for this recipe?
The recipe calls for one medium onion and 4-5 garlic cloves, both of which should be diced.
What spices are used to flavor the Zesty Pickled Sausages?
The aromatic medley includes whole allspice, coriander, mustard seeds, bay leaves, and a dash of turmeric.
Are these pickled sausages spicy?
Yes, the recipe includes one diced hot pepper to provide a zesty and spicy flavor profile.
How long should the sausages boil in the mixture?
The hot dogs or sausages should be boiled in the pickling liquid for 5-7 minutes to ensure they are heated through.
Do I need to sterilize the jars?
Yes, you should transfer the hot dogs and pickling liquid into sterilized jars to ensure safety and freshness.
What is the best way to serve these sausages?
They are best served chilled or at room temperature, paired with saltine crackers.
Can I take these on outdoor trips?
Absolutely; they are a staple for fishing trips, picnics, and potlucks due to their portability.
How much vinegar is required?
The recipe requires 3 cups of vinegar.
How much water is required for the brine?
The recipe requires 4 cups of water.
Can I use this recipe for a party?
Yes, these pickled sausages are excellent party food and make for a unique appetizer.
What purpose does the turmeric serve?
A dash of turmeric is added to provide both a hint of flavor and a distinct color to the pickling liquid.
How many bay leaves are needed?
The recipe calls for 4 bay leaves to be included in the boiling mixture.
How much sugar is used in the brine?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of sugar to help balance the vinegar's acidity.
How much salt is used in the brine?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of salt.
What should I do if the sausages aren't fully submerged?
You must make sure the sausages are fully submerged in the liquid within the jars before sealing them.
Is this an easy recipe to make?
Yes, it is a very easy-to-make recipe that involves boiling a mixture and letting it sit.
Can I use pre-cooked smoked sausage?
Yes, the recipe specifically mentions that you can use a variety of pre-cooked smoked meats.
How many allspice berries are used?
The recipe calls for 12 whole allspice berries.
How much mustard seed is included?
You should add 1 teaspoon of mustard seeds to the pot.
How much coriander is included?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of coriander.
Can I serve these on other dishes?
Yes, besides being a snack, they can also be used as a topping for other dishes.
Does the flavor change over time?
Yes, the longer the sausages sit in the liquid, the more flavor they absorb.
Should the mixture be cooled before jarring?
The pot should be removed from heat and allowed to cool for a few minutes before transferring the contents to jars.
What size should the hot dog pieces be?
The hot dogs should be cut into pieces that are between 1 and 2 inches long.
Is this a family recipe?
Yes, this recipe has been a family staple for gatherings and fishing trips for many years.