Pickled Sausage

For a tangy and spicy snack, try making your own pickled sausage. This homemade treat is perfect for those who love a bit of heat and savoriness.

Ingredients

For the Pickled Sausage:

  • 2 lbs cooked sausage (such as kielbasa or smoked sausage), cut into 1-2 inch pieces
  • 2 cups apple cider vinegar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup salt
  • 4 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
  • 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
  • 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon mustard seeds
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 small onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 small jalapeño, sliced (optional, for extra heat)

Directions

  1. Prepare the Brine:
    • In a medium saucepan, combine apple cider vinegar, water, granulated sugar, and salt.
    • Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar and salt are fully dissolved.
    • Remove from heat and let the brine cool to room temperature.
  2. Prepare the Sausage and Pickling Ingredients:
    • Place the sausage pieces in a clean, large glass jar or multiple smaller jars.
    • Add the smashed garlic cloves, black peppercorns, red pepper flakes, mustard seeds, bay leaves, sliced onion, and jalapeño (if using) to the jar with the sausage.
  3. Pickle the Sausage:
    • Pour the cooled brine over the sausage in the jar, ensuring that the sausage is completely covered.
    • Seal the jar(s) with a lid.
  4. Pickling Process:
    • Refrigerate the jar(s) and let the sausage pickle for at least 48 hours before consuming.
    • For best results, allow the sausage to pickle for up to 1 week to develop deeper flavors.
  5. Serve:
    • Enjoy the pickled sausage as a tangy snack, appetizer, or as a zesty addition to your favorite dishes.

Servings and Timing

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Pickling Time: 2 days
  • Total Time: 2 days 15 minutes
  • Serving Size: As desired
  • Calorie Count: 250 kcal per serving (approx. 3-4 pieces)

Notes

  • Store the pickled sausage in the refrigerator and consume within 1 month.
  • Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes and jalapeño based on your preferred spice level.

Conclusion

This Pickled Sausage recipe provides a flavorful, tangy, and spicy snack that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the savory bite of pickled sausage straight from the jar or as a flavorful addition to your meals!