Dive into a bold and flavorful treat with Pickled Sausage and Jalapeños. This recipe combines succulent sausage with the fiery kick of jalapeños, all immersed in a tangy, spiced brine. The result is a deliciously spicy and savory combination that’s perfect for snacking, adding to charcuterie boards, or serving at parties. The pickling process enhances the sausage’s rich flavors while infusing it with the vibrant heat of jalapeños, creating a savory, zesty bite that will keep you coming back for more. Easy to prepare and packed with bold flavors, this dish is sure to be a standout addition to any appetizer spread.
Ingredients:
1 pound smoked sausage, cut into 1-inch pieces
4-5 fresh jalapeños, sliced
2 cups white vinegar
1 cup water
1/2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon salt
2 cloves garlic, smashed
1 tablespoon mustard seeds
1 teaspoon fennel seeds
1 teaspoon black peppercorns
1 teaspoon coriander seeds
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 bay leaves
2 sprigs fresh thyme
Ingredient Preparation
Preparing the Sausage
- Cut the Sausage: Slice the smoked sausage into 1-inch pieces, ensuring they are uniform in size for even pickling.
Preparing the Brine
Heat the Brine: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar and salt are fully dissolved.
Combine the Ingredients: In a large pot, mix together the vinegar, water, sugar, salt, garlic, mustard seeds, fennel seeds, black peppercorns, coriander seeds, paprika, red pepper flakes, bay leaves, and thyme.
Instructions
Packing the Jars
- Layer the Ingredients: Begin by packing the sausage pieces and sliced jalapeños tightly into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top.
- Pour the Brine: Carefully pour the hot brine over the packed ingredients, ensuring they are fully submerged. Leave about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top.
Sealing and Processing
Process the Jars: Process the sealed jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. Ensure the jars are fully submerged and maintain a gentle boil throughout the process.
Seal the Jars: Wipe the rims of the jars clean to ensure a good seal. Place the lids on the jars and screw on the bands until they are fingertip-tight.
Cooling and Storing
- Cool the Jars: Carefully remove the jars from the water bath using tongs and place them on a towel or rack to cool to room temperature.
- Check the Seals: Once cooled, check that the lids have sealed properly by pressing the center of each lid. If it doesn’t pop back, the jar is sealed.
Flavor Development
Refrigeration: Once opened, refrigerate the jars and consume within a few weeks, ensuring the ingredients stay submerged in the brine to prevent spoilage.
