German Currywurst Recipe

Name: German Currywurst
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 3 (15 ounce) cans tomato sauce; 1 pound kielbasa; 2 tablespoons chili sauce; 0.5 teaspoon onion salt; 1 tablespoon white sugar; 1 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 pinch paprika; Curry powder to taste

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe was developed with its original yield. Ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly. The original recipe yields 4 servings.

3 (15 ounce) cans tomato sauce
1 pound kielbasa
2 tablespoons chili sauce
teaspoon onion salt
1 tablespoon white sugar
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 pinch paprika
Curry powder to taste

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to Broil/Grill.

Step 2: Pour the tomato sauce into a large saucepan, then stir in the chili sauce, onion salt, white sugar, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes.

Step 3: While the sauce simmers, broil or grill the kielbasa sausage for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked. Once cooked, slice the sausage into pieces that are inch to inch thick.

Step 4: Pour the tomato sauce mixture over the sliced sausage. Then, sprinkle the dish with paprika and curry powder to taste, and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (1/4 of recipe):

Nutrition	Amount	% Daily Value
Calories	451
Total Fat	32g	41%
Saturated Fat	11g	53%
Cholesterol	75mg	25%
Sodium	3019mg	131%
Total Carbohydrate	26g	9%
Dietary Fiber	5g	18%
Total Sugars	18g
Protein	18g	37%
Vitamin C	24mg	26%
Calcium	67mg	5%
Iron	5mg	25%
Potassium	1432mg	30%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

Currywurst is a beloved street food that has captured the hearts of Germans and food lovers worldwide. Originating in Germany, this dish combines the savory goodness of sausage with a tangy and spicy curry sauce. Its a staple in German fast food culture, especially in Berlin, where its commonly found at food stands and casual eateries. If youre craving a quick and delicious bite, currywurst is the perfect choice.

History of Currywurst

The origins of currywurst date back to 1949 in Berlin, when a woman named Herta Heuwer is credited with creating the dish. After receiving a batch of curry powder from British soldiers, she combined it with ketchup and served it over sliced sausage. The dish quickly became popular in the post-war period as a cheap and satisfying meal for busy Berliners. Over the years, currywurst evolved into a national favorite, and today it is considered one of Germany's iconic fast foods.

Regional Variations

Though currywurst is enjoyed throughout Germany, different regions put their own spin on the dish. In Berlin, the currywurst is typically served with a mild, sweet ketchup-based sauce, while in other parts of the country, you might find spicier variations. The sausage used can also vary, with Berliners preferring a specific type of white pork sausage known as "Berliner Wurst." In contrast, regions like Bavaria or Hamburg may use different sausages such as bratwurst or even knockwurst. Despite these variations, the core ingredients remain the same: sausage, curry powder, and a rich tomato-based sauce.

How Currywurst Differs from Similar Dishes

While currywurst might seem similar to other sausage-based dishes, it stands out for its distinct curry-flavored sauce. Unlike dishes like bratwurst or frankfurters, which are typically served with mustard or sauerkraut, currywurst is unique because it combines the heat and depth of curry powder with the sweetness of ketchup. This combination of flavors makes it much more than just a sausage; its a flavorful fusion of spices and savory goodness.

Where to Enjoy Currywurst

Currywurst is widely available at German street food stalls, especially in urban areas like Berlin, Hamburg, and Cologne. Its commonly enjoyed as a quick snack or light meal, often accompanied by fries (pommes) and a cold beer. While it can also be found at some German restaurants, its the fast food stands and food trucks that truly showcase the essence of currywurst. Visitors to Germany will undoubtedly encounter currywurst on nearly every corner, where its often served wrapped in paper and eaten with a fork or skewers.

Interesting Facts About Currywurst

Over 800 million servings of currywurst are sold annually in Germany.
The city of Berlin has a Currywurst Museum dedicated to the history and cultural significance of the dish.
The original recipe for currywurst is a closely guarded secret, though many variations exist.
Currywurst is often served as a late-night snack after a night out, making it a popular choice for party-goers.
In 2003, a restaurant in Berlin created a world record by serving the longest currywurst sausage, measuring over 60 meters!

FAQ about German Currywurst Recipe

Leftover Currywurst can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, it's best to heat the sausage and sauce separately to avoid sogginess. You can also freeze the sausage and sauce for up to 3 months. To reheat, defrost in the refrigerator overnight and heat gently on the stove.

Yes! While the traditional German Currywurst uses bratwurst or knockwurst, you can substitute with kielbasa, bratwurst, or even vegetarian sausages. Just be sure to grill or fry them to your desired level of crispiness before adding the sauce.

Yes, you can customize the spiciness by adjusting the amount of curry powder and paprika in the sauce. For more heat, you can also add chili powder, cayenne pepper, or a splash of hot sauce.

Currywurst is typically served with fries, a crusty roll, or German potato salad. You can also pair it with a cold beer for an authentic German experience.

If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe or omit it entirely. You can also balance the sweetness with a bit of vinegar or lemon juice for acidity.

Yes, you can prepare the curry sauce ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat the sauce before serving with freshly cooked sausages.

If you don't have chili sauce, you can substitute it with ketchup or a combination of ketchup and hot sauce. If you prefer a tangy flavor, a small amount of BBQ sauce can also work.

Yes! You can make this recipe vegetarian by using plant-based sausages. Be sure to check that your chili sauce and other ingredients are free of animal products if you're preparing a fully vegetarian version.

Yes, you can add more curry powder, chili powder, or even hot sauce to the currywurst sauce to increase the spice level. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the curry powder or add a bit of honey to balance out the heat.

Absolutely! You can experiment with different types of curry powder, such as Madras curry powder or garam masala, to create variations of the sauce. Keep in mind that the flavor profile may change slightly depending on the curry powder used.

Comments

Carol Thomas

05/03/2024 02:32:26 PM

I made this dish tonight and it was a big success. Instead of using kielbasa, I opted for bratwurst sausages in casings, which I sliced into coins. I fried them in a skillet, occasionally covering it to ensure they were cooked through. For the sauce, I decided to add 2 tablespoons of curry powder because I felt that just a sprinkle on top wouldn't be sufficient. I really enjoy curry, so this was a great choice for me. This recipe will definitely be added to my regular rotation. Thank you!

Maria Scott

12/20/2022 06:17:02 PM

I opted for a quick fix by using ketchup instead of tomato sauce and made a few other substitutions. Surprisingly, the dish ended up tasting quite similar to what I remember from my time in Germany. Here's how I prepared it: Instead of Kielbasa, I went with Bratwurst. I grilled four sausages in a pan, making sure to cook all sides evenly. Then, I sliced them into sections, sprinkled curry powder on each side, and grilled them for about 45 seconds per side. Finally, I added them to the sauce to soak up all the flavors.

Joseph Williams

03/10/2023 04:50:40 PM

This recipe is a wonderful rendition of currywurst, reminiscent of my time living in Germany with a few tweaks. I opted for just one can of tomato sauce and omitted the chili sauce, opting for 2-3 tablespoons of curry powder instead. Additionally, I included 1 tablespoon of paprika for added flavor. Swapping out kielbasa for brats, I sliced and browned them in a pan before adding the remaining ingredients. After bringing everything to a boil, I let it simmer for 20 minutes. The results were delicious!

Lisa Hernandez

03/12/2023 06:31:11 AM

Here is the rewritten review: I decided to try a different method while using the same ingredients. Instead of broiling the hot dog slices, I cooked them in 2 tablespoons of butter in a large saucepan. I also adjusted the sauce by using just 1 can of tomato sauce (using 3 would have made it too soupy). I followed the recipe for the spices and chili sauce, but mistakenly added less pepper. Despite this, the end result was fantastic! It was delicious and simple to make. I definitely plan to make it again. I would have rated it 5 stars if the recipe had called for only 1 can of sauce; using 3 would have been overwhelming and drowned out the other flavors.

Amanda Clark

02/28/2024 10:02:47 AM

I didn't have to convince my kids to try this dish - they loved it! After reading the reviews, I decided to use 1 can of tomato sauce and then added about half a can of Heinz Ketchup. I added more than just a pinch of paprika and around 2 tablespoons of curry for extra flavor. I let it simmer on the stove for about 20 minutes, and it turned out delicious. My kids devoured it and asked for seconds. Next time, I think I'll make a double batch with 2 lbs of meat!

Steven Harris

07/02/2023 11:54:40 AM

Based on the recommendations from other reviews, I followed the recipe with some tweaks. I used 1 cup of tomato sauce and 1 cup of ketchup, added extra curry, and included chopped onions. I sliced and fried the keilbasa before simmering it in the sauce for about 20 minutes. The dish turned out tasty, although a bit too spicy for my liking. Next time, I will reduce the amount of curry powder. My guests thoroughly enjoyed it! I paired it with a brown and wild rice blend.

Alexander Wilson

01/30/2024 06:37:19 AM

I have come across individuals arguing about which type of sausage it is. However, it really boils down to the specific region of Germany that one has visited. Each region has their own unique sauce and sausage variety. Personally, I have a preference for the Berlin style. Berlin is famously known for inventing the currywurst, utilizing a special ketchup recipe along with a white pork sausage, rather than the typical red bratwurst. While some may opt to deep fry the sausage, it can also be boiled or grilled. Keep in mind that this is considered fast food, so don't expect anything too fancy.

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