Fiery Andouille Sausage Substitutes to Arouse Your Palate

Originating in France, Andouille Sausages are now a popular spiced sausage used in a variety of dishes of Cajun and Creole style.

Smoked sausages are popular in all parts of the world. To make smoked sausages, there are two methods, they are either cooked first and then smoked or they are cooked and smoked simultaneously. Using any one of the methods gives the same result, making the sausage flavored with a deep, rich and earthy flavor, which comes from smoking. The best examples are andouille, bratwurst, kielbasa, etc.

What is Andouille Sausage?

Andouille sausage is a heavily smoked sausage, which is made from pork. There are several variations to it. Different combinations of pork meat, fat, intestines and tripe are used to make several variations. The exact origin of this sausage is unknown, but it is said to have originated either in France or Germany; however, the most famous variety in the US is the Cajun style.

French andouille sausage, traditionally has been made with pork intestines and tripe. It is seasoned heavily and smoked, but it is not as spicy as Cajun style. Andouille sausages made in Germany are not available in all areas of Germany. They are made only in certain regions of Germany and are often made from remaining intestines and casings, which are seasoned and pulled through a larger casing. Then, the sausages are smoked. The Cajun style andouille is the spiciest of all the andouille sausages. It is made from pork meat and fat. It is then seasoned with salt, cracked black pepper, and garlic. The sausage is then smoked over pecan wood and sugarcane to give it a different flavor. A variety of andouille is also made in Italy. It is known as ‘nduja and is like Cajun-style andouille, but red pepper is used liberally.

Since smoked sausages are cooked in advance they can be eaten cold, unless there are other directions specified on their packaging. Smoked sausages can also be cooked in a variety of recipes, adding a rich and smoky flavor to the dish they are used in.

What does one do if a particular recipe demands only a certain type of sausage and you’re out of it? For example, to make jambalaya, andouille sausage is used. At such times, you will have to look for a substitute.

Substitutes for Andouille Sausage

Mexican Chorizo

Andouille sausage is a flavorful sausage; hence, when you look for its alternatives, you will have to find a spicy sausage with appropriate flavor. Mexican chorizo sausage is one of the alternatives, which may come close to andouille in flavor, but the texture of the chorizo sausage is not similar to andouille sausage.

Kielbasa

An andouille sausage substitute can be kielbasa sausage, as it is also one of the smoked sausage varieties. But often people complain about the cardamom in kielbasa interfering with the other spices and you may not like the final result.

German Smoked Sausages

German smoked sausages like the famous Bratwurst,can be used as alternatives to andouille. You can also get regular sausages and then smoke and flavor them at home, as per your taste.

When you are looking for a substitute to andouille sausage, you will have to understand that the heavy, smoky flavor is the key. Hence, any sausage that fits into the category can be used as a substitute. However, it is important to note that the dish may not taste the same as it would with andouille. But finding a way out is the point. We hope you are able to find an alternative that suits your palate.

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