Vegetarian Currywurst Recipe

Vegetarian Currywurst is a delightful twist on the traditional German dish, typically made with sausages and a spicy curry sauce. This version uses plant-based ingredients, making it suitable for vegetarians. Here’s a simple recipe to prepare it at home.

Ingredients

For the Vegetarian Sausages:

• 1 cup vital wheat gluten
• 1/3 cup chickpea flour
• 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 100 g (3.5 oz) button mushrooms, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 cup vegetable stock
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Curry Sauce:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 125 g ketchup (about 1/2 cup)
• 1-2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1/2 tsp sambal or Sriracha sauce (for heat)
• 1 tbsp curry powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Vegetarian Sausages:

• In a large bowl, combine vital wheat gluten, chickpea flour, nutritional yeast, onion powder, and paprika.
• In a blender, pulse together the chopped mushrooms, minced garlic, mustard, vegetable stock, and soy sauce until well combined.
• Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until a dough forms. Knead the dough for about 2 minutes until it becomes elastic.
• Divide the dough into four equal pieces and shape each into a sausage form. Wrap them tightly in foil.
• Steam the sausages for about 35–40 minutes.

Make the Curry Sauce:

• In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
• Stir in the ketchup, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, sambal or Sriracha, and curry powder. Simmer for about 5–10 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Cook the Sausages:

• After steaming, unwrap the sausages and optionally grill or pan-fry them until golden brown on all sides.

Assemble the Dish:

• Slice the sausages into bite-sized pieces and place them on a plate.
• Generously drizzle the curry sauce over the sausages.
• Optionally sprinkle with additional curry powder for garnish.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with fries or crusty bread for a complete meal.

This vegetarian version of Currywurst maintains the essence of the original dish while being suitable for those who prefer plant-based options. Enjoy your homemade Vegetarian Currywurst!

Tips for Making the Best Vegan Sausages for Currywurst

1. Choose the Right Base: Use vital wheat gluten as the main ingredient for a chewy texture that mimics traditional sausage. Combine it with chickpea flour or lentils for added flavor and nutrition.
2. Incorporate Flavorful Add-ins: Add finely chopped vegetables like mushrooms or onions, along with spices such as garlic powder, paprika, and nutritional yeast to enhance taste.
3. Knead Properly: Knead the dough for about 2-3 minutes to develop gluten, which provides structure and prevents a gummy texture.
4. Wrap Tightly: When shaping sausages, wrap them tightly in foil to ensure they hold their shape during cooking.

Achieving a Perfect Texture for Vegan Currywurst

• Steam or Bake: Steam the sausages first to cook them through, then pan-fry or grill to achieve a crispy exterior. This method helps maintain moisture while ensuring a firm texture.
• Avoid Over-Mixing: Mix just until combined; over-mixing can lead to a dense and chewy texture.
• Experiment with Ingredients: If using store-bought vegan sausages, choose varieties that are designed to mimic bratwurst or bockwurst for the best results.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Vegan Currywurst

1. Using Too Much Liquid: Be cautious with adding liquids when mixing ingredients; too much can make the sausages gummy.
2. Neglecting Seasoning: Don’t forget to season your sausage mixture adequately; bland sausages will affect the overall flavor of the dish.
3. Skipping the Cooking Method: Failing to steam or properly cook the sausages before frying can lead to uneven textures.

Using Store-Bought Vegan Sausages for Currywurst

Yes, you can use store-bought vegan sausages for currywurst. Look for bratwurst-style options like Beyond Sausage or other brands that offer a meaty texture. Just sauté them until golden brown and proceed with your curry sauce as usual. This method simplifies preparation while still delivering great flavor.

Making a Currywurst Sauce That’s Not Too Sweet

• Choose Ketchup Wisely: Select a ketchup brand that is less sweet or make your own using crushed tomatoes and minimal sugar.
• Balance Sweetness with Acidity: Add ingredients like apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar to cut through sweetness and add depth.
• Adjust Seasonings After Simmering: Taste the sauce after it has simmered; adjust sweetness by adding more vinegar or spices rather than sugar.

Best Brands of Vegan Sausages for Currywurst

1. Beyond Meat: Known for its realistic texture and flavor, Beyond Sausage is a popular choice for vegan currywurst.
2. Vivera: This brand offers a variety of plant-based sausages that work well in currywurst recipes.
3. Meetlyke: Their bratwurst and bockwurst varieties are particularly recommended for a hearty currywurst experience.
4. Tofurky: The Tofurky Beer Brats provide a flavorful option that complements the curry sauce nicely.
5. Wheaty: Their seitan-based sausages, like Bauern Knacker, are also suitable for currywurst, offering a robust flavor profile.

How to Make Homemade Vegan Sausages for Currywurst

1. Ingredients:

• 1 cup vital wheat gluten
• 1/3 cup chickpea flour
• 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 100 g button mushrooms, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup vegetable stock
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

1. Instructions:

• In a bowl, combine the dry ingredients (vital wheat gluten, chickpea flour, nutritional yeast, onion powder, paprika).
• Blend the mushrooms and garlic with vegetable stock and soy sauce until smooth.
• Mix the wet and dry ingredients until a dough forms; knead for about 2-3 minutes.
• Shape into sausages and wrap in foil. Steam for about 35-40 minutes.

Variations of Currywurst Sauce

1. Classic Tomato-Curry Sauce: A blend of ketchup, curry powder, and spices.
2. Spicy Mango Sauce: Add mango puree to the classic sauce for a fruity twist.
3. Coconut Curry Sauce: Use coconut milk as a base with curry spices for creaminess.
4. Smoky BBQ Curry Sauce: Combine BBQ sauce with curry powder for a unique flavor profile.

Making Vegan Currywurst That’s Spicy

• Add Heat to the Sauce: Incorporate sambal oelek or Sriracha into your curry sauce to increase spiciness.
• Use Spicy Sausages: Opt for spicy vegan sausages or add crushed red pepper flakes to the sausage mixture before cooking.
• Adjust Seasonings: Experiment with additional spices like cayenne pepper or chili powder in the sauce to enhance heat levels.

Sides That Go Well with Vegan Currywurst

1. French Fries: A classic pairing that complements the dish perfectly.
2. Potato Salad: Adds a creamy texture that balances the spiciness of the currywurst.
3. Coleslaw: Provides crunch and acidity to contrast with the rich flavors of the sausage and sauce.
4. Bread Rolls: Great for soaking up the delicious curry sauce.
5. Pickles or Sauerkraut: These add tanginess and crunch, enhancing the overall meal experience.