Are you looking for a recipe for a snack that will disappear from the plates in the blink of an eye? Elephant Food is an absolute classic among Czech spreads and delicacies. This retro hit is a must-have at any proper celebration, barbecue, or family gathering. It combines finely chopped sausage, crunchy onions, and pickles with an incredibly rich, spicy dressing.
The secret to the best flavor lies in a special method – the liquid ingredients are first simmered together in a saucepan. This way, the dressing loses its sharp acidity, the flavors blend perfectly, and you get a smooth, delicious base. The spread is best served with fresh bread or spread on a bun as a base for open-faced sandwiches. Let’s prepare it!
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 15 minutes (+ time for cooling the dressing) |
| Difficulty | Extremely easy |
| Dish Type | Spicy Spread / Cold Salad |
| Main Flavors | Ham Sausage, Spicy Mustard-Ketchup Dressing, Worcester |
Ingredients We Will Need
Meat and Vegetable Base:
- 400 g of soft sausage: Ideally, use ham sausage, junior, or a good gothaj. Cut into small pieces or chopped in a blender.
- 1 medium onion: Chopped into very fine cubes.
- 3–4 pickled cucumbers: Grated or finely chopped.
- Ground black pepper: To taste.
Simmered Spicy Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons of ketchup: Sweet or mild.
- 2 tablespoons of full-fat mustard
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- Worcestershire sauce: To taste (about 1 teaspoon).
- Sweet chili sauce: For a pleasantly spicy kick.
- 1 tablespoon of vinegar: To balance the flavors.
- Sugar: To taste (about 1–2 teaspoons).
For Creaminess:
- About 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise: To bind the salad into a perfect creamy consistency.
Step-by-Step Preparation
1. Preparing the Base in a Bowl
Grate the soft sausage coarsely or chop it into small pieces using an immersion blender or chopper. Chop the onion and pickles into very fine cubes. Combine all these ingredients in a larger bowl and season with ground black pepper.
2. Simmering the Spicy Mixture in a Saucepan
In a smaller saucepan, add the oil, ketchup, mustard, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, sweet chili sauce, vinegar, and sugar. Mix everything thoroughly with a whisk, bring to a boil, and let it simmer briefly (about 1 minute) to dissolve the sugar and combine the ingredients. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mixture cool completely.
3. Combining and Softening with Mayonnaise
Once the simmered dressing is at room temperature, pour it into the bowl with the chopped sausage and vegetables. Add about two tablespoons of good mayonnaise and mix everything thoroughly into a uniform, beautifully creamy spread.
4. Letting it Rest in the Refrigerator
Cover the finished Elephant Food with plastic wrap or a lid and store it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours (overnight is best). During this time, the fresh onion will lose its sharpness, the sausage will absorb the spicy base, and the spread will develop the right full flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
If you pour a warm or hot mixture onto the salami with mayonnaise, the mayonnaise would immediately melt due to the heat and the fat would separate. The spread would be liquid and greasy. Patience with cooling pays off here!
In a closed clean jar or container, it lasts in the fridge without any problem for 3 to 4 days. It often holds true that on the third day (when the onion and Worcestershire sauce have fully blended), the soup and spread taste the best.
Mayonnaise gives the spread a creamy base and balances the sharpness of the dressing. If you want to lighten it, you can use sour cream or thick Greek yogurt, but the taste will be somewhat less rich and retro.
Elephant Food is clear evidence that honest retro recipes have a firm and irreplaceable place in our kitchen. Enjoy your meal!
