Andouille Sausage Substitute

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

The best examples of smoked sausages are andouille sausage, bratwurst, kielbasa sausage, etc. Since smoked sausages are cooked in advance, they can be eaten cold, unless there are other direction on their packaging. But they can also be cooked in a variety of recipes, which adds rich and smoky flavor to the dish they are used in. However, what does one do, if a particular recipe demands only a certain type of sausage. For example to make jambalaya, andouille sausage is used. At such times, you will have to look for a substitute, in this case andouille sausage substitute.

What is Andouille Sausage

Andouille sausage is a heavily smoked sausage, which is made from pork. There are several variations of this sausage. Different combination 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 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 sugar cane to gave it a different flavor. There is a variety of andouille, that is also made in Italy. It is known as 'ndulla and is like Cajun-style andouille, but red pepper is used liberally.

Andouille Sausage Substitute

Andouille sausage is a flavorful sausage, hence, when you look for an andouille sausage alternative, you will have to find an appropriate substitute. You will have to opt for any spicy sausage, but it may not be the right substitute for andouille. Mexican chorizo sausage is one of the alternative, which may come close to andouille in flavor, but the texture of the chorizo sausage is not similar to andouille sausage.

Another andouille sausage substitute can be kielbasa sausage, as it is also one of the smoked sausage variety. But often people complain about the cardamom in kielbasa interfering with the other spices and you may not like the final result. German style smoked sausages can also be used as an andouille sausage alternative. If you do not like any one of the above mentioned variety, you can get the regular sausage and then smoke and flavor them at home, as per your taste.

When you are looking for andouille sausage substitute, you will have to understand, the heavy smoky flavor is the key. Hence, any sausage which fits into the category can be used as an andouille sausage 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. I hope you are able to find an alternative, that suits your palate.