Name: Curry Ketchup (Currywurst Sauce) Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: German
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 6 tablespoons yellow onion, chopped; 2 tablespoons spicy curry powder, plus extra for garnish; 1 cup (236 ml) tomato passata; 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar; 2 tablespoons honey OR 2 teaspoons sugar; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; ½ teaspoon salt; Water, as needed

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Introduction

Curry Ketchup, also known as Currywurst Sauce, is a flavorful and slightly spicy condiment that perfectly complements grilled or fried sausages. This simple homemade sauce combines the sweetness of honey with a bold curry punch, making it a favorite for casual meals and snack times.

A close-up view of a golden-yellow French fry dipped halfway into a smooth, thick, reddish-brown sauce held over a small black cast iron dish filled with the sauce. In the background, there is a white bowl filled with pale yellow French fries on a white marbled surface. A woman's hand holds the fry, ready to dip it further, and the whole setup rests on a wooden table. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
6 tablespoons yellow onion, chopped
2 tablespoons spicy curry powder (plus a little more for garnish)
1 cup (236 ml) tomato passata
2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons honey OR 2 teaspoons sugar
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon salt
Water, if needed

Instructions

Step 1: Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook gently until softened, avoiding any browning.
Step 2: Stir in the curry powder and cook for about 1 minute to release the flavors.
Step 3: Add the tomato passata, balsamic vinegar, honey or sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and salt. Bring the mixture to a low simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add a little water if the sauce becomes too thick.
Step 4: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning to balance the spicy and sweet flavors. If the sauce tastes too acidic, a small pinch of baking soda can be added to mellow it out.
Step 5: Blend the sauce until smooth using a blender or immersion blender.
Step 6: Serve the curry ketchup over sliced German sausage and sprinkle a little extra curry powder on top for garnish.

Tips & Variations

Use honey for a natural sweetness or sugar for a more neutral sweet flavor, depending on your preference.
Adjust curry powder amount to suit your heat tolerance—more for a stronger kick, less for mild flavor.
Add a splash of lemon juice instead of balsamic vinegar for a sharper tang.

Storage

Store curry ketchup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving. Stir well after reheating as the sauce may thicken when chilled.

How to Serve

A close-up of a white oval plate filled with several sausage pieces sliced into thick, round chunks and whole sausages, all covered with a rich, thick orange-brown sauce that looks smooth and slightly glossy. A fork holds one chunk in the air, coated fully with the sauce. In the blurred background, there is a white bowl filled with thin, pale yellow French fries and a small black bowl containing a similar orange-brown dipping sauce, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Yes, curry ketchup can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for several days. The flavors often develop and improve after resting.

Is this sauce suitable for vegetarians?

The sauce itself is vegetarian, but be sure to check that your Worcestershire sauce is vegetarian-friendly, or substitute it with a vegetarian alternative.