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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!