Rød pølse

Rød pølse, or red sausage, is a brightly red, boiled pork sausage that is very common in Denmark. Because hot dog stands are found almost everywhere in the country, many Danes regard it as one of the national dishes.

History

Sausages of the Vienna type, from which the Danish version derives, spread across northern Europe during the twentieth century. In Denmark they are usually boiled and served red, although grilled versions are also common.

The red colour has several explanations. A popular legend claims it was introduced in Vienna to mark day-old sausages, and other accounts credit a butcher in Lyon, but neither story is documented. A more mundane interpretation holds that from the 1920s vendors used red dye to disguise the lower quality of older sausages.

Culture

In Denmark the sausage is served from street stands with ketchup, mustard, remoulade, pickled cucumber and onions, fried or raw, and each person has a favourite combination. Its visibility on the street has made it an everyday symbol of the country.

Scandinavian sausages are usually made from finely ground pork seasoned with pepper, nutmeg or sweet spices, sometimes with ground mustard seed and sugar. Fillers such as potato starch or soy or milk protein are common. Most are sold precooked and simply heated in water at home.