Vegan Currywurst is a delicious plant-based twist on the classic German street food. This recipe features flavorful vegan sausages topped with a spicy curry ketchup sauce, making it perfect for a comforting meal. Here’s how to prepare it:
Ingredients
For the Vegan Sausages:
- 5 vegan bratwurst (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup vital wheat gluten (if making homemade)
- 1/3 cup chickpea flour (if making homemade)
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast (if making homemade)
- 1/2 tsp onion powder (if making homemade)
- 1/2 tsp paprika (if making homemade)
- 100 g button mushrooms, finely chopped (if making homemade)
- 1 cup vegetable stock (if making homemade)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (if making homemade)
For the Curry Ketchup Sauce:
- 1 can (15 oz) of tomato sauce or canned tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato purée
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 chili pepper, diced (optional for heat)
- 1 tbsp curry powder, plus more for dusting
- 1 tbsp paprika powder
- 1 tbsp vegan Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp agave syrup or sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sunflower oil for frying
Preparation Steps
Make the Sausages (if homemade):
- In a large bowl, mix vital wheat gluten, chickpea flour, nutritional yeast, onion powder, and paprika.
- In a blender, combine mushrooms, garlic, vegetable stock, and soy sauce until smooth.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until combined. Knead for about 2 minutes to form a dough.
- Divide the dough into equal pieces and shape them into sausage forms. Wrap tightly in foil and steam for about 35–40 minutes.
Prepare the Curry Ketchup Sauce:
- In a saucepan, heat sunflower oil over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and garlic; sauté until translucent.
- Stir in the tomato purée and let it roast for a couple of minutes.
- Add canned tomatoes, curry powder, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, agave syrup, and diced chili pepper. Season with salt and pepper.
- Simmer uncovered for at least 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Blend if you prefer a smoother texture.
Cook the Sausages:
- Heat some sunflower oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry the vegan sausages until golden brown on all sides.
- Slice the sausages into bite-sized pieces.
Assemble the Dish:
- Place sliced sausages on a plate and generously top with the curry ketchup sauce.
- Dust with additional curry powder before serving.
- Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with fries or bread for a complete meal.
Creative Twists on Traditional Currywurst Sauce
- Mango Curry Sauce: Blend ripe mango with ketchup, curry powder, and a splash of lime juice for a tropical twist.
- Coconut Curry Sauce: Use coconut milk as a base, adding curry powder, garlic, and ginger for a creamy, rich flavor.
- Spicy Sriracha Sauce: Mix ketchup with Sriracha, curry powder, and a bit of vinegar for an extra kick.
- Smoky BBQ Curry Sauce: Combine BBQ sauce with curry powder and a touch of liquid smoke for a unique flavor profile.
Making Vegan Brats That Are Not Gummy
To avoid gummy vegan bratwursts:
- Use the Right Ingredients: Incorporate vital wheat gluten and chickpea flour to achieve the right texture.
- Properly Knead the Dough: Knead the mixture well to develop gluten structure without overworking it.
- Steam Instead of Boil: Steam the sausages instead of boiling them to maintain their firmness.
- Add Flavorful Fillers: Use finely chopped vegetables like mushrooms or carrots to enhance texture and moisture balance.
Best Side Dishes to Serve with Vegan Currywurst
- French Fries: A classic pairing that complements the sauce well.
- Potato Salad: A creamy or tangy potato salad adds a refreshing contrast.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy slaw can provide a nice texture contrast.
- Bread Rolls: Soft rolls are perfect for soaking up the sauce.
- Pickles or Sauerkraut: These add acidity and crunch, balancing the richness of the currywurst.
Gluten-Free Alternatives for Vegan Currywurst
- Chickpea Flour Sausages: Use chickpea flour as a base for gluten-free sausages.
- Quinoa Patties: Form patties using cooked quinoa mixed with spices and binders like flaxseed meal.
- Lentil-Based Sausages: Combine cooked lentils with spices and binders to create hearty sausages.
Making a Spicy Currywurst Sauce
To create a spicy currywurst sauce:
- Sauté onions and garlic in oil until soft.
- Add tomato paste and cook for a minute before adding ketchup, soy sauce, and balsamic vinegar.
- Stir in curry powder and hot sauce (like Sriracha or sambal) to taste.
- Simmer until thickened, adjusting spice levels as desired.
This recipe offers a satisfying vegan alternative to traditional Currywurst while maintaining its rich flavors and textures. Enjoy your meal!