Currywurst Sliders

Inspired by the popular German fast food known as currywurst, these beef-sausage sliders are topped with spicy brown mustard, curry tomato sauce, and served on a pretzel bun.

This time last year I was buzzing with World Cup Soccer excitement. Sadly, like the rest of America, I have not paid as much attention to the Women’s World Cup. And I’m a girl. A girl who loves to play and watch soccer no less! Disgraceful. I’d blame it on my lack of cable since apparently Dancing with the Stars is a more important broadcast and booted one if the games off the airways, but I have ways to get around such things… ahem, but anyway! So far I’ve only caught one game but tonight the women’s USA team takes on Germany.

I was actually in Germany, Berlin specifically, 3 years ago and was fortunate enough to experience the excitement that is the Euro Cup. During one of the games broadcast on a jumbotron erected in front of the Bradenburg Gate I got my first taste of currywurst, which is a bratwurst sausage topped with a curry ketchup. In honor of today’s competition I decided to make currywurst sliders, blending the American love of burgers/sliders with German currywurst. These sliders are a mix of beef and sausage patties which are topped with a curry tomato sauce, a squirt of spicy brown mustard, and served on a pretzel bun. Serve with a side of fries and you’re ready to cheer on the U-S-A! (And may I suggest a slice of Kalter Hund for dessert?)

One year ago: Caramelized Onion Dip

Two years ago: Vanilla Bean-Nutmeg Shake with Blackberry Swirl

Four years ago: Nutella Waffles with Raspberry Syrup

CURRYWURST SLIDERS

Serves 4

Ingredients:

SLIDERS

3/4 lb. ground beef

3/4 lb. ground pork

1 small onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 Tbsp salt

1 tsp ground white pepper

1/2 tsp dried marjoram

1/4 tsp caraway seed

1/4 tsp grated nutmeg

1/4 tsp ground allspice

1/8 tsp ground ginger

1 tsp red pepper flakes, optional

1 Tbsp olive oil

8 slices sharp cheddar cheese

4 Tbsp grainy mustard

8 pretzel slider buns, toasted

SAUCE

1 Tbsp olive oil

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2-1/2 Tbsp curry powder

2 Tbsp paprika

1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

1 Tbsp sugar

Salt, to taste

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, toss together the ground meats with onion, garlic, and spices until combined. Form into 8 equal patties.
3. Preheat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft, 8-10 minutes. Stir in curry powder and paprika. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add tomato sauce, red wine vinegar, sugar, and salt to taste. Increase to high heat, bringing to a boil, then decrease to low heat and simmer. Stir occasionally and continue to simmer for 25 minutes, until thickened.
4. While the sauce cooks, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the patties and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side. Place one slice of cheddar onto each patty, then pop the skillet into the oven to melt the cheese, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, spread some grainy mustard on the bottom half of the buns.
6. Place patties onto the bottom-bun halves, top with sauce, and finish with the top-bun halves. Serve with a side of fries.

Source: Adapted from Rachael Ray, Food 52, and Tara’s Multicultural Table.

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