Grilled Bratwurst Sandwiches With Barbecued Onion Relish

Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins Preparation Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 1 hr

Ingredients

• Servings: 8
• 3 tablespoons canola oil
• 2 1/2 lbs onions, halved, sliced (about 4)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon medium-hot chili powder
• 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed dried red pepper flakes
• 1/2 cup purchased hickory flavored barbecue sauce
• 1/2 cup beer
• 1 tablespoon unsulphured molasses
• 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 2 1/2 teaspoons soy sauce
• 8 bratwursts
• 8 hot dog buns
• grated sharp cheddar cheese
• dill pickle slices

Recipe

• 1 for barbecued onion relish:
• 2 heat oil in large saute pan over medium heat.
• 3 add onions, sugar and salt.
• 4 cover and cook until onions are wilted and very juicy, but not browned, stirring occasionally, about 30 minutes.
• 5 add chili powder, garlic and red pepper flakes; saute 4 minutes.
• 6 stir in barbecue sauce, beer, molasses, mustard, vinegar and soy sauce.
• 7 simmer uncovered until mixture thickens slightly, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes.
• 8 cool to room temperature.
• 9 cover tightly and refrigerate at least 24 hours for flavors to develop.
• 10 do-ahead tip: relish can be prepared up to 1 week ahead. keep refrigerated.
• 11 for sandwiches:
• 12 prepare barbecue (medium heat) and position rack about 6 inches above heat source.
• 13 pierce sausages all over with tip of knife.
• 14 arrange sausages on rack.
• 15 cover and grill until outside is crisp and brown, and just cooked through, turning occasionally, about 15 minutes.
• 16 transfer to plate.
• 17 simmer relish over low heat.
• 18 lightly toast cut sides of buns on grill.
• 19 place bratwursts in buns and serve, allowing guests to add pickles, relish and cheese.