Pickled eggs, sausage, and onions may sound like an unusual combination, but it’s a dish that brings together bold flavors and satisfying textures. This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves pickled foods and hearty, savory meals. The tangy pickled eggs add a delicious zing to the rich, smoky sausage, while the onions provide a mild sweetness and crunch to balance out the flavors. It’s an excellent dish for picnics, snacks, or even as a flavorful appetizer at gatherings. In this recipe, you’ll learn how to create this delightful combination from scratch.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to prepare your own Pickled Eggs, Sausage, and Onions:
For the Pickled Eggs:
•6 large eggs
•1 cup white vinegar
•1 cup water
•1 tablespoon sugar
•1 tablespoon salt
•1 teaspoon mustard seeds
•1 teaspoon black peppercorns
•1-2 dried bay leaves
•1 small onion, thinly sliced
•2 cloves garlic, smashed
•1 tablespoon red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
For the Sausage & Onions:
•2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
•1 pound smoked sausage or kielbasa, sliced into ¼-inch thick rounds
•1 large onion, sliced into rings
•1 bell pepper (optional), sliced
•Salt and pepper to taste
•Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Steps
Follow these easy steps to create a delicious Pickled Eggs, Sausage & Onions dish:
Step 1: Prepare the Pickled Eggs
1.Boil the Eggs: Begin by placing the eggs in a pot and covering them with water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes to cook the eggs until firm.
2.Peel the Eggs: Once the eggs are cooked, remove them from the water and let them cool slightly before peeling them carefully.
3.Prepare the Pickling Liquid: In a medium saucepan, combine the white vinegar, water, sugar, salt, mustard seeds, black peppercorns, bay leaves, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar and salt.
4.Pickle the Eggs: Place the peeled eggs in a glass jar or container. Pour the hot pickling liquid over the eggs, making sure they are fully submerged. Add the sliced onion to the jar as well.
5.Let It Sit: Seal the jar or container and refrigerate for at least 24 hours. The eggs will pickle and take on the flavors of the brine, becoming tangy and flavorful. For best results, let them sit for 3-4 days before eating.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage & Onions
1.Cook the Sausage: While the eggs are pickling, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned on both sides, about 6-8 minutes.
2.Sauté the Onions: Once the sausage is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add the sliced onions (and bell pepper if using) and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until they are tender and slightly caramelized.
3.Season the Dish: Season the sausage and onions with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste, then return the sausage to the skillet. Stir to combine and heat everything through for 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Assemble and Serve
1.Combine: Arrange the pickled eggs, cooked sausage, and sautéed onions on a large serving platter.
2.Garnish: If desired, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.
3.Serve: Serve the dish as an appetizer, snack, or light meal. The pickled eggs provide a tangy contrast to the savory sausage, and the onions add sweetness and crunch.
Variations
While this dish is fantastic as-is, there are a few variations you can try to personalize the recipe to your liking:
1.Use Different Types of Sausage: While smoked sausage or kielbasa are traditional choices, you can also use Italian sausage, chorizo, or bratwurst for different flavors.
2.Add Extra Vegetables: You can add other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or even carrots to the sausage and onion mixture to create a more robust dish.
3.Spicy Pickled Eggs: If you like things spicy, increase the amount of red pepper flakes in the pickling liquid or add sliced jalapeños to the jar for an extra kick.
4.Change the Vinegar: While white vinegar is commonly used in pickling, you can experiment with apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar for a slightly different flavor profile.
Tips
1.Choose the Right Eggs: The fresher the eggs, the harder they will be to peel. If you plan on pickling eggs, use eggs that are at least a week old for the best peelability.
2.Allow for Marinating Time: The longer the eggs marinate, the better they will absorb the pickling flavors. While they can be eaten after 24 hours, waiting 3-4 days will give the eggs a richer taste.
3.Serve with Crusty Bread: For a more filling meal, serve the pickled eggs, sausage, and onions with slices of crusty bread. This adds texture and makes for a great sandwich option.
4.Store Pickled Eggs Properly: Always keep pickled eggs refrigerated and consume them within 2-3 weeks for the best flavor and safety.
Pickled Eggs, Sausage & Onions is a unique and flavorful dish that offers a balance of tangy, smoky, and sweet elements in every bite. It’s simple to prepare, customizable with different ingredients, and can be enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or even as part of a main course. Whether you’re a fan of pickled foods or looking for a hearty meal, this dish delivers a satisfying combination of textures and flavors that everyone will enjoy.
FAQs
1. How long should I let the eggs pickle?
While you can eat the pickled eggs after 24 hours, they taste best after sitting for 3-4 days. The longer they sit, the more flavorful they become.
2. Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of sausage such as Italian sausage, bratwurst, or chorizo for a different flavor profile.
3. Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, both the pickled eggs and sausage mixture can be prepared in advance. The pickled eggs will last for up to 2-3 weeks in the fridge, and the sausage and onions can be stored for 2-3 days.
4. How can I make the dish spicier?
To make the dish spicier, you can add more red pepper flakes to the pickling brine or include sliced jalapeños in the jar. You can also add a spicy sausage variety to the mix.
5. Can I use store-bought pickled eggs?
Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use store-bought pickled eggs. Just sauté the sausage and onions as directed, and combine everything for a quick meal.
