Pickled Eggs, Sausage & Onions
This dish brings together the tangy flavor of pickled eggs, savory sausage, and the sweet aroma of marinated onions for a hearty and delicious treat. It’s perfect as an appetizer, snack, or part of a picnic spread.
The combination of flavors from the pickling brine, the richness of sausage, and the crunch of onions creates a satisfying dish for all to enjoy.
Ingredients:
6 hard-boiled eggs
2 sausages (preferably smoked or your choice of flavor)
1 large onion, thinly sliced
1 ½ cups apple cider vinegar
1 ½ cups water
2 tbsp sugar
1 tbsp salt
2 cloves garlic, smashed
1 tsp mustard seeds
1 tsp black peppercorns
1 bay leaf
½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Prepare the Eggs: Peel the hard-boiled eggs and set them aside.
Prepare the Sausage: Slice the sausages into bite-sized pieces. If using raw sausages, cook them first (grill, fry, or boil) and then slice.
Prepare the Onion: Slice the onion thinly and set it aside in a separate bowl.
Pickling Brine: In a saucepan, combine apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, salt, garlic, mustard seeds, black peppercorns, and the bay leaf. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sugar and salt dissolve. Allow the brine to cool to room temperature.
Assemble the Dish: In a large jar or container, layer the hard-boiled eggs, sausage slices, and onion rings. If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes between the layers.
Add the Brine: Pour the cooled pickling brine over the eggs, sausage, and onions, ensuring everything is submerged. Seal the jar or container.
Refrigerate: Allow the mixture to pickle in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours. For better flavor, let it sit for 48 hours.
Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy!
Description:
Pickled Eggs, Sausage & Onions is a unique dish combining the sharpness of pickled eggs with the savory depth of sausage and the crispness of onions. The pickling brine infuses each component with an extra layer of flavor, making this dish an excellent choice for entertaining or adding to a charcuterie board. The sweet and tangy notes from the brine balance out the richness of the sausage, while the onions bring a fresh crunch to every bite.
Tips:
Use Different Sausages: Experiment with different types of sausage (spicy, smoked, or herbed) to adjust the flavor profile to your liking.
Flavor Boost: Add extra herbs like thyme or rosemary to the brine for an aromatic twist.
Make It Spicy: If you enjoy spicy foods, include more red pepper flakes or even a chopped chili pepper in the brine.
Resting Time: The longer the dish sits in the brine, the more flavorful it becomes, so try to wait at least 48 hours before serving for maximum flavor.
Serve with Sides: This dish pairs well with crackers, pickles, and cheese for a full snack spread.
Variations:
Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian alternative, use tofu or tempeh in place of the sausage and skip the animal-based ingredients.
Herb Variation: Experiment with herbs such as dill or basil for a different flavor profile in the brine.
Add Other Veggies: Incorporate other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots into the jar to create a mixed-pickle experience.
Sweet & Sour: For a sweeter touch, add more sugar to the brine or include a dash of honey.
Correction (if needed):
If the eggs are too soft or overcooked, ensure you adjust the boiling time to achieve the desired firmness—around 9-10 minutes for firm yolks.
If the brine tastes too salty, balance it by adding more water or a bit more sugar, adjusting to taste.
Enjoy!
This dish makes a great snack or appetizer and can be served alongside your favorite drinks, at parties, or even as a side dish at barbecues. Pickled Eggs, Sausage & Onions offer a unique twist on traditional pickled snacks, bringing bold flavors and a satisfying combination of textures in every bite. Enjoy!