I grew up in a German household,and yet somehow never heard of this popular German street food until last year when I had it at a local hofbrauhaus.I found a number of recipes on the net,but most all of them used ketchup as the base and were too acidic for my taste,nothing like what I was served at the hofbrauhaus.I decided to make a sort of homemade curry ketchup sauce with more kick and tamed with baking soda to raise the PH.This dish is traditionally served on the side of,or over French Fries.Use your favorite packaged fries or homemade if you have the inclination.
Serves 4
Ingredients
for the spice mix:
1 T Mild Curry Powder
1 T Madras Curry Powder
1/4 tsp Smoked Paprika
2 tsp Sweet Paprika
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp dry mustard
1/8 tsp ground cinnamon
1/8 tsp ground allspice
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
1/8 tsp garlic powder
pinch ground cloves
for the bratwurst and sauce:
1&1/2 pounds raw Bratwurst
1 tsp unsalted butter
1 tsp vegetable oil
1/3 cup water
1-7oz can Tomato Paste
12 oz pilsener beer (or 12 oz. water)
3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon beef bouillon
1 T apple cider vinegar
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
In a small bowl combine curry powders,paprikas,onion powder,dry mustard,cinnamon,allspice,cayenne,garlic powder and ground cloves.Set aside.
Heat oil and butter in a 12 inch nonstick skillet over medium heat. When butter is melted add bratwurst and brown,5 to 7 minutes turning bratwurst once during browning.
Add water,reduce heat to medium low,cover and cook until meat registers 165 degrees on an instant read thermometer,turning bratwurst once during cooking.
Remove bratwurst to a cutting board and cool 5 minutes,then slice into 1/4 inch thick pieces and set aside on a plate.
Add spice mixture to leftover fat in skillet and stir constantly 30 seconds to release oils in spices.
Add tomato paste and incorporate into spices about 30 seconds.
Add beer(or water),brown sugar,salt,pepper,worcestershire,beef boullion,apple cider vinegar and baking soda and bring to a simmer,whisking constantly to incorporate sauce into a smooth consistency.
When sauce is slightly thickened,return sliced bratwurst to skillet and cook until heated through,about 5 minutes.
Serve over your favorite packaged or homemade french fries and a light dusting of curry powder if desired.
