Saturday, September 15, 2018

What sausage looks like in 16 places around the world

German Bratwurst sausages — Bratwurst is a German sausage staple.

It's an easy argument that the best part of traveling is the food. And while there are certain foods that are unique to each country, it can be great fun to chow down on a country's take on a food you're already familiar with.

There are so many foods that are universal in cuisines around the globe, and one such example is sausages. Sausages vary in shape, size, and flavor depending on where you're eating them, but the essence of a sausage remains the same.

From spicy to sweet, most countries seem to have their own version of sausage, just waiting to be tried. Here are what Extra Crispy and Bon Appetit rate as some of the best sausages from around the world to try.

1. A South Korean sundae won't involve any ice cream.

In South Korea, sundae, pronounced 'soondae,' is a popular sausage commonly offered as street food. It's created by boiling or steaming a pig or cow's intestines. That is then stuffed with noodles, blood, and spices.

It's common for ingredients like kimchi, rice, or soybean paste to also be added in.

2. Falukorv has been popular in Sweden since the 16th century.

Made with beef or pork, falukorv is a staple in Sweden. The beef or pork is mixed together with potato starch, onions, sugar, pork fat, and spices. It's a great snack as well because the sausage is precooked and can be eaten directly out of the package.

3. Bratwurst is the go-to sausage in Germany.

There's no denying that Germany is overflowing with options when it comes to sausages. Yet, even with so many to try, bratwurst is the clear favorite. Often made with pork, beef can be substituted in when necessary. Taken to another level, bratwurst is commonly paired with curry ketchup and fries to create the popular fast food currywurst.

4. England creates its own version of a hot dog with the saveloy.

If you're visiting from America, it would be easy to mistake a saveloy for a traditional hot dog. Similar in size and color, a saveloy is made with pork, potato starch, salt, and a mix of spices. It can be battered and fried, and is often served alongside fish and chips.

5. Longaniza is a Spanish sausage popular in Chile and across Spanish-speaking countries.

While the name may suggest it, a longaniza isn't actually very long. In fact, it's quite fat and short, stuffed with a variety of spices. In Chile, the sausage is most commonly eaten at barbecues with bread. Across the world, a longaniza can vary but the tastiness remains.

6. There are lots of different types of chorizo, but Mexico's version is one of the spiciest.

Mexican chorizo is much spicier than versions you may find in Spain or Portugal. The chorizo in Mexico is typically a minced fatty pork sausage that often contains chili peppers so it has just enough of a kick to be a great addition to any meal.

7. Head to South Africa to try boerewors.

A boerewor is created by combining vinegar and spices such as coriander, clover, and nutmeg, with either beef or pork. Typically grilled over hot stones, boerewors are a popular street food, typically served on a bun with mustard.

8. The only thing better than sausage is a sausage roll.

There's no question that Australians love their meat. When it comes to eating sausage down under, a popular dish is the sausage roll. Found anywhere from convenience stores to food trucks, they're a staple in Australian society.

9. Cevapcici ensures you don't have to choose between beef and pork on your Croatian holiday.

While most sausages are made from a specific type of meat, cevapcici combines beef and pork in a skinless sausage. Blended with garlic, paprika, and onions, cevapcici is typically served with lemon wedges and sour cream.

10. Spain's morcilla has a unique texture.

Spain, as well as countries in Latin America, has a few varieties of a blood sausage known as morcilla. Made with pig's blood, it has a creamy, pudding-like texture in the middle but is crispy on the outside. It's common for rice and onions to be mixed into the meat.

11. Forget the tulips, a frikandellen is reason enough to visit the Netherlands.

A frikandellen is a deep fried, skinless sausage that is extremely popular throughout Holland. In fact, it's so beloved that similar to Nathan's hot dog eating contest there is a frikandellen eating contest every year.

12. Greek sausages tend to get a bit citrusy.

While fruity isn't a word typically associated with sausages, for Greece you'll have to make an exception. Loukaniko is a pork sausage made with fennel seed, dried herbs and, for your fruity kick, orange peel.

13. Everything sounds fancy in Italian, even sausage.

While prosciutto may come to mind when you think of Italian meats, the finocchiona sausage should not be overlooked. Originating from Tuscany, it is a pork salami filled with fennel seeds. It's fancy name reflects this as finocchio means "fennel" in Italian.

14. The Swiss consider cervelat to be their national sausage.

With cervelat being latin for "brain," you can guess what was originally used as the meat form. Today, the Swiss blend together beef and pork to create this cured sausage.

15. Algerians use lamb to make the spicy merguez.

While beef is an option, Algerians tend to use lamb when cooking up some merguez. The sausage is heavily spiced with cumin and chili pepper, giving it a red coloring and great spice.

16. Go all American with a hot dog.

Finally, there is the hot dog. Popular at barbecues and with street vendors, hot dogs are about as American as it gets. No one fully knows what a hot dog is really made of but that doesn't stop us from chowing down on one.

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