Currywurst with Mashed Potatoes – Grilled sausages smothered in curry ketchup, served with mashed potatoes.

Authentic German Currywurst

Currywurst is a beloved German street food featuring grilled bratwurst sliced and smothered in a rich, tangy curry ketchup sauce. This homemade version captures the essence of Berlin's iconic dish, perfect for a hearty snack or main course.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 33 minutes
Course Main Course, Snack
Cuisine German
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Bratwursts:

  • 4 traditional bratwursts (or preferred sausages)

For the Currywurst Sauce:

  • 1 cup (240 ml) tomato ketchup
  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda
  • 4-5 teaspoons mild curry powder
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼-⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 4 tablespoons beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons water (adjust for desired consistency)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Currywurst Sauce:

  • In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, warm the tomato ketchup.
  • Stir in the baking soda; the mixture may foam briefly. Continue stirring until it subsides.
  • Reduce heat to low and add curry powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Mix well.
  • Incorporate Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, and water. Stir thoroughly and let the sauce simmer for 5–10 minutes until slightly thickened.

Cook the Bratwursts:

  • Grill or pan-fry the bratwursts over medium heat until golden brown and fully cooked, approximately 5–7 minutes per side.
  • Allow the sausages to rest for a couple of minutes, then slice them into bite-sized pieces.

Assemble and Serve:

  • Arrange the sliced bratwursts on a serving plate.
  • Generously spoon the warm curry sauce over the sausages.
  • For an authentic touch, sprinkle a pinch of curry powder on top.
  • Serve immediately alongside fries, crusty bread, or a fresh roll.

Notes

Cooking and Serving Sausages – Various ways of cooking and plating sausages, including pretzels and dipping sauces.

Homemade Currywurst – The Iconic German Street Food 🇩🇪

Currywurst is often hailed as the ultimate German street food, beloved by locals and tourists alike. This flavorful dish consists of grilled bratwurst, sliced into bite-sized pieces, and generously smothered in a rich, tangy, and slightly spicy curry ketchup sauce.
While the recipe for the perfect currywurst sauce is highly debated, one thing is certain – it's a must-try dish for anyone exploring German cuisine!

🍔 The History of Currywurst

The origins of currywurst trace back to post-war Berlin. According to legend, the dish was invented in 1949 by Herta Heuwer, a resourceful woman from the Charlottenburg district. She allegedly traded spirits with British soldiers in exchange for ketchup and curry powder. By experimenting with these ingredients, she crafted a unique sauce that she then poured over grilled sausages, and thus, currywurst was born!
Heuwer started selling this delicious and affordable street snack, which quickly became a hit, especially among construction workers rebuilding the city. Currywurst became a symbol of Berlin's resilience and is still a cherished part of the city's food culture today.
There is also speculation that currywurst might have originated in Hamburg as early as 1947, credited to a woman named Lena Brücker. Regardless of its true origins, one thing remains clear – currywurst is a culinary icon in Germany!

📝 Storing Leftovers

  • The currywurst sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • Reheat gently over low heat before serving again.

🌟 Pro Tips for an Authentic Experience

  • If you ever find yourself in Germany, skip the fast food chains and try currywurst from a local Imbiss.
  • Some of the best versions are served from small street vendors, often marked by long queues – always a good sign!
  • For an authentic Berlin-style currywurst, ask for it "ohne Darm" (without casing) for a softer texture.

📝 Final Thoughts

Currywurst is a simple yet flavorful dish that brings a taste of Germany right into your kitchen. Whether you're reminiscing about a trip to Berlin or just eager to explore German cuisine, this homemade version is sure to satisfy your cravings.
🍽️ Have you tried making currywurst at home? Share your thoughts or your favorite variations in the comments!
Guten Appetit! 🇩🇪

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Keyword Bratwurst, Curry ketchup, Currywurst, German street food
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