Rød pølse facts for kids

Rød pølse (say "rohd PUL-suh") is a bright red, boiled pork sausage that is very popular in Denmark. You can find these sausages everywhere, especially at hot dog stands. Because they are so common, some people even think of røde pølser as one of Denmark's national dishes!

These sausages are a type of Vienna sausage. Their special red color comes from a traditional dye called carmine.

How to Enjoy a Red Sausage

Rød pølse is usually heated in hot water. It's often served with yummy toppings like remoulade (a creamy sauce), mustard, or ketchup. You might also find them with crispy fried onions and pickled slices of cucumber (also known as gherkins).

There's a fun story about why these sausages are red. Some say that long ago, sausages that were a day old were dyed red to warn people they weren't super fresh. Another idea is that starting in the 1920s, sellers used the red dye to make older sausages look better.

Sausages in Other Nordic Countries

Sausages in Scandinavia are usually made with a lot of finely ground pork, often 60–80%. They are spiced with things like pepper, nutmeg, or allspice. Sometimes, ground mustard seed, onions, and sugar are added too. Many sausages you buy are already cooked, so you just need to fry them or heat them in boiling water.

In Norway, sausages are often served in soft white buns or in a traditional flat bread. They can be grilled or warmed in hot water. People usually eat them with ketchup or mustard. Another tasty way to enjoy them is with mashed potatoes.

In Iceland, sausages might have mutton (lamb meat) mixed in, which gives them a special taste.

See also

In Spanish: Pølser para niños